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Updated: Jul 23, 2025
A Novel Approach to Assess Motor Outcome of Deep Brain Stimulation Effects in the Hemiparkinsonian Rat: Staircase and Cylinder Test
Published on: May 31, 2016
Uncovering neuroanatomical correlates of impaired coordinated movement after pallidal deep brain stimulation
Brendan Santyr1, Aaron Loh1, Artur Vetkas1
1Division of Neurosurgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Background:
The loss of the ability to swim following deep brain stimulation (DBS), although rare, poses a worrisome risk of drowning. It is unclear what anatomic substrate and neural circuitry underlie this phenomenon. We report a case of cervical dystonia with lost ability to swim and dance during active stimulation of globus pallidus internus. We investigated the anatomical underpinning of this phenomenon using unique functional and structural imaging analysis.
Methods:
Tesla (3T) functional MRI (fMRI) of the patient was used during active DBS and compared with a cohort of four matched patients without this side effect. Structural connectivity mapping was used to identify brain network engagement by stimulation.
Results:
fMRI during stimulation revealed significant (Pbonferroni<0.0001) stimulation-evoked responses (DBS ON
Conclusions:
These stimulation-induced impairments are likely a manifestation of a broader deficit in interlimb coordination mediated by stimulation effects on the SMA. This neuroanatomical underpinning can help inform future patient-specific stimulation and targeting.
