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A study conducted at the University of Alabama at Birmingham compared the effects of directional deep brain stimulation (DBS) versus circular DBS on motor performance in patients with Parkinson's disease. The research found that directional DBS led to greater motor improvements compared to ring stimulation, with enhanced precision and control of current spread. The study suggests that optimized directional subthalamic nucleus DBS may offer better group-level motor performance and tolerability benefits, warranting further investigation into its long-term effects. The findings were published in the Journal of Parkinson's Disease and funded by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders And Stroke and the Michael J. Fox Foundation For Parkinson's Research. [Extracted from the article]

A patent has been issued for a system and method developed by inventors from the University of Houston to locate implantation sites in the brain more accurately. The method involves inserting multi-contact electrodes into the brain, applying High Frequency Stimulation (HFS), measuring High Frequency Oscillations (HFO) and Evoked Compound Activity (ECA), and identifying optimal implantation sites based on predetermined thresholds. This system aims to improve the accuracy and efficiency of electrode placement for Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS), particularly targeting the Subthalamic Nucleus (STN) in individuals with conditions like Parkinson's Disease. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses a clinical trial comparing the efficacy, programming burden, power consumption, and satisfaction of deep brain stimulation in patients with Parkinson's disease using constant current versus constant voltage modes. The trial aims to assess these factors one year after surgery and involves approximately 180 participants from multiple sites. The study is interventional, randomized, and aims to provide valuable insights into the treatment of Parkinson's disease through deep brain stimulation. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted by Northwestern University researchers focused on the cognitive aspects of motor control in individuals with Parkinson's disease following subthalamic nucleus deep brain stimulation surgery. The study found that saccade latency and reach reaction time significantly increased post-surgery while participants were off treatment. The research suggests that long-term tissue changes and withdrawal from STN-DBS may contribute to these detrimental cognitive effects. The study highlights the need for further investigation into the impact of surgery on cognitive function in Parkinson's disease patients. [Extracted from the article]

Researchers at the Program in Neuroscience conducted a meta-analysis comparing the long-term efficacy of deep brain stimulation (DBS) targeting the subthalamic nucleus (STN) versus the globus pallidus interna (GPi) for treating motor dysfunction in patients with Parkinson's disease. The study found that STN stimulation is effective at reducing motor symptoms during off-medication treatment for up to 15 years, while GPi stimulation can be effective for at least 8 years. The research suggests that both STN- and GPi-targeted DBS have long-term efficacy, especially during off-medication periods, but may wear off during the on-medication phase between 5 and 10 years of treatment. [Extracted from the article]

The article explores the characteristics and coupling of bursts within the sensorimotor cortical-subthalamic nucleus circuit in Parkinson's disease. It analyzes recordings from 5 PD patients and finds that cortical beta bursts tend to precede STN beta bursts with short delays. The study suggests that subcortical mechanisms may also contribute to STN burst initiation and propagation. This preprint has not been peer-reviewed and provides valuable insights into the neural activity patterns in Parkinson's disease. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study explored the impact of deep brain stimulation (DBS) of the subthalamic nucleus (STN) on strabismus in Parkinson's disease (PD) patients. The study found that STN DBS improved strabismus in 75% of cases, particularly when stimulating the dorsal STN region. However, in 25% of PD patients, STN DBS exacerbated strabismus when targeting the ventral aspect of the STN. This research provides valuable insights into the potential benefits and complexities of using DBS to address visual impairments in PD patients. [Extracted from the article]

A clinical trial, NCT06685510, is being conducted to investigate the relationship between electrode implantation location and the prediction of Microlesion Effect (MLE) efficacy produced by Subthalamic Nucleus Deep Brain Stimulation (STN-DBS) surgery in Parkinson's Disease (PD) patients. The study aims to assess the correlation between electrode implantation location and DBS efficacy, analyze the role of brain networks, and provide more effective efficacy prediction for DBS treatment in PD patients. The trial involves primary PD patients aged 18-75 who meet STN-DBS surgery criteria and aims to guide clinical practice and future research in related fields. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted at Vanderbilt University Medical Center explored the impact of deep brain stimulation (DBS) on cognitive function in patients with Parkinson's disease. The research found that superior active electrode contacts in the left subthalamic nucleus were associated with verbal memory decline post-DBS. This study sheds light on factors influencing cognitive changes following DBS and may aid in optimizing postoperative treatment. For more information, the full article can be accessed through Neurosurgery, published by Ovid Technologies. [Extracted from the article]

Researchers at Eskisehir Osmangazi University conducted a study on the effects of different frequencies of subthalamic nucleus deep brain stimulation (STN-DBS) on postural control in individuals with Parkinson's disease (PD). The study found that low-frequency settings (60 Hz) may benefit those who heavily rely on visual cues for postural control. The researchers suggest that tailoring the DBS frequency setting could optimize postural stability and reduce fall risk in PD patients, calling for further research to explore these mechanisms. The study was published in the Journal of Clinical Medicine and can be accessed for free online. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses the prediction of pathological subthalamic nucleus beta burst occurrence in Parkinson's disease. Researchers have used deep learning to accurately predict the timing of these bursts up to 60 ms before onset, offering potential for proactive stimulation to improve therapeutic efficacy. The study highlights a dip in beta amplitude as a predictive biomarker for burst occurrence, shedding light on burst initiation mechanisms in Parkinson's disease. This preprint has not yet undergone peer review, and more information can be found on biorxiv.org. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted at the Chinese University of Hong Kong focused on deep brain stimulation (DBS) for patients with Parkinson's disease. The research aimed to predict the pyramidal tract side effect (PTSE) threshold during DBS surgery under general anesthesia (GA) using electromyography (EMG). The study found that testing the PTSE threshold through EMG during surgery can guide the placement of DBS leads and improve clinical outcomes for patients with Parkinson's disease. This research provides valuable insights into optimizing DBS procedures for Parkinson's patients. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses a clinical trial, NCT06642519, focusing on using a brain-machine interface to treat freezing of gait in Parkinson's disease patients. The trial aims to identify gait biomarkers and use cortical stimulation to stop freezing of gait by recording brain activity during real-world gait and freezing episodes. The study involves high-density electrocorticography-based brain-machine interfaces to understand the brain's role in freezing of gait and develop new treatments based on cortical stimulation. [Extracted from the article]

Duke University is conducting a clinical trial to investigate the use of connectomic imaging models for deep brain stimulation (DBS) in Parkinson's disease patients. The trial aims to improve tremor control and minimize side effects by stimulating specific axonal pathways. Data on tremor duration, severity, dyskinesia duration, and severity will be collected using wearable technology. The researchers hope to simplify the DBS programming process, enhance clinical outcomes, and reduce the number of optimization visits. The study is led by Dr. Kyle Mitchell and is expected to be completed by June 29, 2025. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by researchers at the University of Pittsburgh explores the role of the basal ganglia in speech production. The study focused on the firing rate of subthalamic nucleus (STN) neurons in individuals with Parkinson's disease who were undergoing deep brain stimulation (DBS) electrode implantation. The findings suggest that STN neurons encode both the sequence and phonetic characteristics of speech, indicating separate representations of speech sequencing and phoneme selection in the basal ganglia. This research provides valuable insights into the complex nature of speech production and its neural mechanisms. [Extracted from the article]

A patent has been issued for a medical device developed by Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation. The device is an implantable pulse generator (IPG) used in deep brain stimulation (DBS) therapy for neurological disorders like Parkinson's disease. The IPG includes electrode nodes that stimulate neural tissue and control circuitry that records and analyzes electrical signals to determine if they contain a neural response of interest. If a response is detected, the device adjusts the stimulation parameters accordingly. The device aims to improve the effectiveness of DBS therapy by optimizing lead placement and stimulation parameters based on patient feedback and changes in medication needs. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted by researchers at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio, compared the efficacy and complications of deep brain stimulation (DBS) techniques for Parkinson's disease and essential tremor. The study found that asleep, image-guided DBS had comparable clinical efficacy to awake, microelectrode recording (MER) guidance, but had higher stimulation thresholds for side effects and a lower rate of postoperative transient confusion (pTC). This suggests that image-guided DBS may have fewer long-term side effects and a decreased risk of pTC. The study was published in Operative Neurosurgery. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted at Autonomous University Barcelona examined the impact of stimulation frequency on verbal fluency in patients with Parkinson's disease who underwent deep brain stimulation (DBS) in the subthalamic nucleus (STN). The study included 38 patients with Parkinson's disease who received either low frequency STN-DBS (LFS) or high frequency STN-DBS (HFS), as well as a control group of non-operated patients. The results showed that HFS negatively affected letter, semantic, and action fluencies, while LFS had no effect on verbal fluency. However, the decline in verbal fluency following STN-DBS was not solely caused by stimulation frequency. This research provides valuable insights into the effects of DBS on verbal fluency in Parkinson's disease patients. [Extracted from the article]

Researchers from the First Hospital of Hebei Medical University have published a new report on Parkinson's disease, specifically focusing on the treatment of autonomic nerve dysfunction. Autonomic nerve dysfunction is a common non-motor symptom of Parkinson's disease and can significantly impact the quality of life for patients. The researchers reviewed the efficacy of subthalamic nucleus deep brain stimulation (STN-DBS) in treating autonomic nerve dysfunction in Parkinson's disease patients. They concluded that more attention should be given to these symptoms and that a comprehensive treatment plan should be developed, including preoperative evaluation and individualized treatment. [Extracted from the article]

A recent meta-analysis conducted by researchers at State University in Teresina, Brazil compared the outcomes of deep brain stimulation (DBS) surgery for Parkinson's disease patients under general anesthesia (GA) versus local anesthesia coupled with sedation (LA + S). The study found that at a 6-month follow-up, there were no statistically significant differences between the two groups in terms of motor improvement, complications, behavioral and mood effects, or daily levodopa equivalent dose. The researchers concluded that GA is not inferior to LA + S in terms of short-term benefits, but further studies are needed to determine long-term clinical differences. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted at the University Medical Center Ljubljana in Slovenia explored the effects of dopaminergic medication and deep brain stimulation on impulsivity in Parkinson's disease patients. The study found that the combination of these treatments increased motor impulsivity, both proactive and reactive, but had no effect on reflection and cognitive impulsivity. The research suggests that dopaminergic medication and deep brain stimulation may have different effects on different domains of impulsivity in Parkinson's disease. Further research is needed to fully understand these findings. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted in Manhasset, New York, explored the effects of different frequencies of deep brain stimulation (DBS) on the symptoms of bradykinesia in Parkinson's Disease. The study used inertial sensors to measure motor speed, amplitude, and rhythm. The results showed that high-frequency DBS and dopaminergic medications improved all subcomponents of bradykinesia, with ventral contacts yielding better symptom improvement than dorsal contacts for the motor rhythm subcomponent. The study suggests that wearable sensors can provide valuable objective assessments for Parkinson's Disease. Further investigation is needed to determine the optimal programming for patients. [Extracted from the article]

Researchers from the University of Augsburg in Germany have developed a method to improve the accuracy of Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) surgery for Parkinson's Disease (PD) patients. DBS surgery involves stimulating the Subthalamic Nucleus (STN) to alleviate symptoms when pharmaceutical treatments are no longer effective. The success of the surgery depends on the precise location of the STN and the positioning of the stimulation electrode. The researchers used an ensemble of hand-feature engineering and machine learning classifiers to analyze brain signals captured during surgery and achieved up to 100% accuracy in detecting the location of the MER electrode in the STN. The dataset used in the study is publicly available. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted at Stanford University has found that changes in the subthalamic nucleus (STN) of the brain are associated with alterations in speech functions in individuals with Parkinson's disease (PD). The study also revealed that medication-induced changes in functional connectivity between the STN and language regions predicted the medication's effects on speech-related cognitive performance. These findings provide new insights into the neural mechanisms underlying impaired speech control in PD and could inform treatment strategies to mitigate speech deficits and improve the quality of life for affected individuals. The study was published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. [Extracted from the article]

A recent report from Sichuan University provides new insights into Parkinson's disease. The study focuses on the subthalamic nucleus (STN), which plays a crucial role in basal ganglia function. The researchers analyzed data from over 25,000 recording sites in 146 Parkinson's patients undergoing deep brain stimulation (DBS). They found that the dynamics of STN neuronal activity are correlated with the burden and treatment efficacy of Parkinson's disease. These findings could help improve our understanding of the disease and potentially inform closed-loop DBS therapy. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by researchers from the University of Milan explores the role of brain asymmetries in Parkinson's disease motor symptoms. The study focuses on the use of phase-amplitude coupling to assess differences between the two hemispheres in patients with Parkinson's disease. The findings reveal significant beta phase-amplitude coupling asymmetry between the left and right subthalamic nucleus, as well as an opposite side-dependent effect of levodopa treatment. These findings have important implications for understanding neural signals and may contribute to the development of adaptive Deep Brain Stimulation in Parkinson's disease. [Extracted from the article]

Researchers from the State University of New York (SUNY) Buffalo have conducted a study comparing the effects of deep brain stimulation (DBS) in the Subthalamic Nucleus (STN) and the Globus Pallidus Interna (GPI) on speech outcomes in patients with Parkinson's Disease (PD). The study found that there were no significant differences in speech outcomes between the two neural targets. This information can be useful for pre-surgical counseling and decision-making when considering the neural targets for DBS implantation. The study suggests that factors other than speech should be considered when selecting the target for DBS in PD patients. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by researchers at Northwestern University in Chicago, Illinois, explored the effects of subthalamic nucleus deep brain stimulation (STN-DBS) on visually-guided saccades in individuals with Parkinson's disease (PD). The study found that both unilateral and bilateral stimulation improved motor outcomes of rightward visually-guided saccades, as well as latency, a cognitive-motor outcome. However, the cognitive-motor benefits were only observed when attention did not require disengagement from a present stimulus. The research suggests that STN-DBS primarily benefits reflexive attentional shifting in PD patients. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by researchers from Xuanwu Hospital Capital Medical University in Beijing, China, explored the effects of deep brain stimulation (DBS) at different frequencies on neurogenesis in a rat model of Parkinson's disease (PD). The study found that high-frequency DBS at 130Hz improved motor function and increased the survival of dopaminergic neurons in the PD rat model. Additionally, this stimulation enhanced the proliferation of neural stem cells and neuroblasts in the subventricular zone (SVZ) and facilitated the generation of new neural stem cells in the rostral migratory stream (RMS). However, DBS at frequencies of 60Hz and 180Hz did not produce comparable effects. These findings provide valuable insights into the mechanistic basis of DBS as a therapeutic approach for PD. [Extracted from the article]

A clinical trial conducted by Fujian Medical University Union Hospital aims to investigate the effects of deep brain stimulation (DBS) on gait in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). PD is a degenerative disease of the nervous system that can cause postural instability and gait disorders, significantly impacting patients' quality of life. The trial will enroll 30 participants who have undergone Subthalamic nucleus DBS and will analyze gait changes using wearable devices and the MDS Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale assessment. The study aims to explore potential mechanisms for improving gait disorders, identify digital biomarkers for gait prognosis, and guide the long-term programming of DBS. The trial is expected to be completed by March 2026. [Extracted from the article]

A recent preprint abstract discusses the potential for predicting bursts of beta frequency oscillatory synchrony in the subthalamic nucleus (STN) of patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). The study used deep neural networks to develop a predictive model that was able to anticipate bursts 31.6ms before their onset with high sensitivity and a low false positive rate. The researchers also found that a dip in beta amplitude could serve as a predictive biomarker for subsequent burst occurrence. These findings suggest the feasibility of proactive deep brain stimulation (DBS) to prevent beta bursts in PD patients. However, it is important to note that this preprint has not yet undergone peer review. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted by researchers from the Chinese Academy of Sciences in Beijing, China, explores the use of transfer learning in a rat model of Parkinson's disease. The researchers investigated changes in neuronal firing patterns and oscillatory activity in specific brain regions, focusing on the subthalamic nucleus (STN). They utilized microelectrode arrays to record neuronal activities and applied convolutional neural networks for data analysis. The study demonstrates the feasibility of employing transfer learning for training models on neural activity and highlights the potential for functional localization within deep brain regions. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by the Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences examined the effects of deep brain stimulation (DBS) of the subthalamic nucleus (STN) on risk-avoidant behavior in a pre-motor animal model of Parkinson's disease (PD). The researchers found that unilateral stimulation of the STN had minimal effects on risk-avoidant behaviors in PD. However, further research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms responsible for changes in anxiety during STN DBS for PD. This study highlights the complex relationship between PD and anxiety and the importance of managing anxiety in PD patients to improve their quality of life. [Extracted from the article]

Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation has been issued a patent for a system that collects clinical data for analysis and graphical representation. The patent focuses on the use of deep brain stimulation (DBS) as a therapeutic method for neurological disorders like Parkinson's disease. The system includes implanted stimulation leads, a remote neurostimulator, and an external control device. The patent highlights the importance of proper electrode placement and stimulation parameter selection to achieve optimal therapy and minimize side effects. It also acknowledges the time-consuming nature of neurostimulation programming sessions and the need for follow-up adjustments. The method described in the patent involves conveying electrical stimulation energy into the patient's tissue through different combinations of implanted electrodes, determining the influence of each combination on clinical effects, and generating a graphical representation to aid understanding. The method may also involve programming a neurostimulator based on these influences and recording data on the influence of each electrode combination. [Extracted from the article]

Researchers at the University of Iowa have identified a brain region, called the subthalamic nucleus, that is involved in redirecting thoughts and attention when distracted. This finding is significant because it sheds light on the cognitive and behavioral side effects of deep brain stimulation, a technique used to treat Parkinson's disease. While deep brain stimulation has been effective in alleviating motor symptoms, some patients have experienced difficulties with attention and impulse control. The study suggests that the subthalamic nucleus plays a role not only in movement but also in thoughts and attention. Further research is needed to fine-tune deep brain stimulation to minimize potential side effects. [Extracted from the article]

A recent report discusses research findings on Parkinson's disease, specifically focusing on the effects of deep brain stimulation of the subthalamic nucleus. The study investigated how stimulation of different subregions within the subthalamic nucleus affects stimulus-action-outcome learning in Parkinson's disease patients. The results showed that stimulating the dorsal subthalamic nucleus led to better learning proficiency and an advantage in learning to inhibit actions to produce desired outcomes. Additionally, the study found that dorsal stimulation reduced the Pavlovian reward bias, which could help avoid impulsive reward-driven behavior. This research provides valuable insights for optimizing deep brain stimulation parameters in Parkinson's disease treatment. [Extracted from the article]

Researchers at the University of Alabama Birmingham have conducted a study on the cognitive effects of unilateral subthalamic nucleus deep brain stimulation (STN DBS) in patients with advanced Parkinson's disease. The study examined 31 participants who underwent unilateral STN DBS as part of a randomized, double-blind, crossover study. The results showed that there were no group-level changes in cognitive performance related to the type of stimulation used. However, the hemisphere of the brain where the implant was placed did impact cognition in several ways. Left STN participants had lower baseline verbal fluency, while right STN DBS improved verbal fluency and response inhibition tasks. The study suggests that unilateral right STN DBS may mitigate declines in verbal fluency associated with bilateral intervention in patients with predominant right brain motor parkinsonism. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted at West Virginia University investigated the effect of the sedative dexmedetomidine (DEX) on sensory perception thresholds during deep brain stimulation (DBS) surgery for Parkinson's disease (PD). The researchers found that DEX had a measurable effect on the perception of paresthesia during intraoperative testing, although the effect was not statistically significant. The study suggests that further research is needed to fully understand the impact of DEX on DBS surgery for PD. This information may be useful for individuals researching treatment options for Parkinson's disease. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by researchers at the University of California San Francisco (UCSF) has found that excessive narrowband gamma oscillations in the motor cortex and subthalamic nucleus of the brain are associated with dyskinesia in individuals with Parkinson's disease. The study used a sensing-enabled deep brain stimulator system and wearable devices to continuously track motor signs in the upper limbs of 16 subjects with Parkinson's disease. The researchers found that narrowband gamma oscillations co-fluctuated with dyskinesia scores and could distinguish periods with dyskinesia from periods without dyskinesia. These findings suggest that narrowband gamma oscillations may serve as a promising control signal for closed-loop deep brain stimulation in the treatment of Parkinson's disease. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by the Chinese Academy of Sciences has made new findings about Parkinson's disease. The researchers focused on the subthalamic nucleus (STN), which is a target for deep brain stimulation treatments for Parkinson's disease. They developed microelectrode arrays (MEAs) that can accurately and rapidly locate the STN in rats with Parkinson's disease. The MEAs were able to detect neural signals and biomarkers associated with STN localization. This research provides a new method for studying deep brain nuclei and has potential implications for future treatments. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted at University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein in Kiel, Germany, explored the role of subthalamic circuits in spatial memory and spatial reversal learning in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) who underwent deep brain stimulation (DBS) of the subthalamic nucleus (STN). The study found that DBS of the STN restored spatial reversal learning in patients with PD, indicating the potential cognitive effects of neuromodulation on subthalamic circuits in Parkinson's disease. The research provides insight into the distinct memory systems involved in spatial learning and navigation in the human brain. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted at Indiana University explored the use of susceptibility-weighted imaging (SWI) in deep brain stimulation (DBS) for Parkinson's disease. The researchers compared the accuracy of SWI with intraoperative microelectrode recording (MER) in determining the borders of the subthalamic nucleus (STN), a target for DBS. They found that SWI accurately predicted the entry into the STN but underestimated its length and ventral boundary. The study suggests that further refinement of imaging protocols may improve the imaging of the ventral boundary of the STN. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted at the Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine explored the feasibility of using a multi-parametric MRI technique called MULTIPLEX for the clinical assessment of Parkinson's disease (PD). The study involved 27 PD patients and 23 healthy control participants who underwent MULTIPLEX scanning. The results showed that MULTIPLEX could potentially assist in PD diagnosis and provide information about the subcortical nucleus and dopaminergic midbrain regions in PD patients. The study suggests that this MRI technique may have clinical applications in the future. [Extracted from the article]