Directional Deep Brain Stimulation Can Target the Thalamic "Sweet Spot" for Improving Neuropathic Dental Pain

Neuropathic dental pain (NDP) is a chronic pain condition that is notoriously difficult to treat. To date, there are no deep brain stimulation (DBS) studies on this specific pain condition and no optimal target or "sweet spot" has ever been defined.

To determine the optimal thalamic target for improving this condition by utilizing the steering abilities of a directional DBS electrode (Vercise CartesiaTM Model DB-2202-45, Boston Scientific).

A literature search and review of our database identified 3 potential thalamic targets. A directional lead was implanted in a patient with NDP and its current steering used to test the effects in each nucleus. The patient reported her pain after 2 wk of stimulation in a prospective randomized blinded trial of one. Quality of life measurements were performed before and after 3 mo on their best setting.

We identified 3 potential nuclei: the centromedian (CM), ventral posterior medial (VPM), and anterior pulvinar. The best results were during VPM stimulation (>90% reduction in pain) and CM stimulation (50% reduction). Following 3 mo of VPM-DBS in combination of lateral CM stimulation, their pain disability index dropped (from 25 to 0) and short form 36 improved (from 67.5 to 90).

VPM stimulation in combination with CM stimulation is a promising target for NDP. DBS electrode directionality can be used to test multiple targets and select a patient specific "sweet spot" for NDP treatment.