Effect of frequency on dual target deep brain stimulation

Deep brain stimulation reduces the motor symptoms of Parkinson's disease (PD). Dual target deep brain stimulation (DT DBS) may better reduce symptoms and minimize side effects than single target, but the optimal parameters of DT DBS are unknown.

To quantify the frequency response of DT DBS on bradykinesia and beta oscillations, and to explore intrahemispheric pulse delay shifts as a means to reduce total energy delivered.

We applied DT DBS using the Summit RC + S in six participants with PD, varying DBS frequency. We further examined the effects of frequency in a biophysical model.

DT DBS at 50 Hz was effective at reducing bradykinesia, whereas increasing DT DBS frequency up to 125 Hz also led to significantly lower beta power. This frequency effect on beta power was replicated in a biophysical model. The model suggested that 22 Hz DT DBS, with an intrahemispheric delay of 40 ms, can reduce beta power by 87 %.

This exploratory study (n = 6) suggests that 125 Hz DT DBS best reduced bradykinesia. However, low frequency DBS with an appropriate intrahemispheric delay could also improve symptom relief.

Both 125 Hz and tailored low-frequency DT DBS may achieve equivalent symptomatic control of PD symptoms.