PubMed Health⌕ Search

SEARCH · PubMed Health

Results for “Deep Brain Stimulation”

Explore indexed PubMed citations for clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health research. Read source abstracts and follow each citation to its original PubMed record.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 361 records · Page 20Linked to original sources

[Hypothalamic deep brain stimulation in patients with chronic cluster headaches. Suggestions for patient selection].

Cluster headaches involve a stereotypic symptomatic and belong to the most severe primary pain syndromes. Imaging studies have demonstrated functional and structural changes in the inferior-posterior hypothalamus ipsilateral to the pain. These changes are highly specific to the syndrome, strongly suggesting that this anatomical region is the trigger or generator of the acute attacks and/or determine the duration of the acute pain. These findings have led to the successful therapy of 19 not or difficult to treat patients with hypothalamic deep brain stimulation, resulting in long-term periods without pain and without significant side effects. Recently, however, a patient was reported who died after the operation due to increased blood pressure leading to the rupture of a previously non-diagnosed aneurysm. This article offers a translated summary of the recently published criteria of an international consensus group, which, in addition to a positive ethics vote, should be fulfilled before such deep brain stimulation of the hypothalamus is carried out in such patients.

Cluster Headache↗

Deep brain stimulation and essential tremor.

Essential tremor (ET) is one of the most common movement disorders and can cause significant functional disability in some patients. Although medications can improve tremor in some patients, approximately 50% of patients have medication-resistant symptoms. In patients with ET who experience marked disability due to the tremor, surgical therapy, primarily deep brain stimulation (DBS) of the ventral intermediate (Vim) nucleus of the thalamus, is a viable treatment option. Multiple studies of DBS of the thalamus have shown that it is efficacious in the treatment of ET hand tremor, often with secondary improvement in voice and head tremor. Long-term studies have reported that a majority of patients continue to experience improvement in tremor. Adverse effects related to stimulation are usually mild and can be managed with changes in stimulation parameters. Long-term hardware complications include equipment malfunction, skin erosion, and battery replacements, which require additional surgery. Deep brain stimulation of the thalamus is a safe and efficacious procedure and should be considered in patients with ET who experience medication-resistant disabling tremor.

Brain Mapping↗

Deep brain stimulation for phantom limb pain.

Phantom limb pain is an often severe and debilitating phenomenon that has been reported in up to 85% of amputees. Its pathophysiology is poorly understood. Peripheral and spinal mechanisms are thought to play a role in pain modulation in affected individuals; however central mechanisms are also likely to be of importance. The neuromatrix theory postulates a genetically determined representation of body image, which is modified by sensory input to create a neurosignature. Persistence of the neurosignature may be responsible for painless phantom limb sensations, whereas phantom limb pain may be due to abnormal reorganisation within the neuromatrix. This study assessed the clinical outcome of deep brain stimulation of the periventricular grey matter and somatosensory thalamus for the relief of chronic neuropathic pain associated with phantom limb in three patients. These patients were assessed preoperatively and at 3 month intervals postoperatively. Self-rated visual analogue scale pain scores assessed pain intensity, and the McGill Pain Questionnaire assessed the quality of the pain. Quality of life was assessed using the EUROQOL EQ-5D scale. Periventricular gray stimulation alone was optimal in two patients, whilst a combination of periventricular gray and thalamic stimulation produced the greatest degree of relief in one patient. At follow-up (mean 13.3 months) the intensity of pain was reduced by 62% (range 55-70%). In all three patients, the burning component of the pain was completely alleviated. Opiate intake was reduced in the two patients requiring morphine sulphate pre-operatively. Quality of life measures indicated a statistically significant improvement. This data supports the role for deep brain stimulation in patients with phantom limb pain. The medical literature relating to the epidemiology, pathogenesis, and treatment of this clinical entity is reviewed in detail.

Adult↗

Neuropsychological outcome of GPi pallidotomy and GPi or STN deep brain stimulation in Parkinson's disease.

This paper highlights the neuropsychological sequelae of posteroventral pallidotomy (PVP) and deep brain stimulation (DBS) of the subthalamic nucleus (STN) and the internal segment of the globus pallidus (GPi) at 3/6 months postoperatively. Results are based on our extensive experience with PVP and our preliminary observations with DBS. Patients with borderline cognitive or psychiatric functioning risk postoperative decompensation. Nonlateralizing attentional and hemisphere-specific impairments of frontostriatal cognitive functions followed unilateral PVP. "Frontal" behavioral dyscontrol was observed in approximately 25% of patients. Three cases of staged bilateral PVP suggest that premorbid factors may predict outcome, although lesion size and location are also critical. Older patients are at risk for significant cognitive and behavioral decline after bilateral STN DBS, while GPi DBS may be safer.

Adult↗

Deep brain stimulation for the treatment of Parkinson's disease: the experience of the Neurosurgical Department in Monza.

deep brain stimulation is a widely accepted surgical therapy for the symptomatic treatment of advanced parkinson's disease; high frequency chronic stimulation of the subthalamic nucleus proved its efficacy to control the major motor symptoms. In the neurosurgical department of Monza we treated 72 parkinsonian patients (November 1998-January 2003). One year follow-up results are: decrease of tremor 90%, hypertonous 56%, bradykinesia 70%, voice impairment amelioration 30%, mean total daily L-dopa intake reduced 58%. Freezing and balance did not ameliorate, some voice impairment and psychic derangement have been observed. Major surgical complications were: haemorrage (1 case - transient hemiparesis), infections (2 cases), pulmonary embolisation (1 case). To optimise the surgical results, careful clinical and instrumental selection of the patients are mandatory before surgery.

Clinical Trials as Topic↗

Somatosensory evoked potentials (SEPs) recorded from deep brain stimulation (DBS) electrodes in the thalamus and subthalamic nucleus (STN).

OBJECTIVE: To examine the location of deep brain stimulation (DBS) electrode somatosensory evoked potentials (SEPs) and determine the generators of the median nerve SEPs recorded in thalamus and subthalamic nucleus (STN). METHODS: SEPs were recorded from contacts of DBS electrodes and microelectrodes in thalamus and STN to establish the latencies of N13, N18 and N20 in 24 patients (8 tremor, 4 chronic pain, 12 Parkinson disease) undergoing chronic DBS. RESULTS: A large SEP with a mean latency of 17.9+/-1.7 ms was recorded from thalamic contacts. Phase reversal occurred at the horizontal level of the anterior commissure-posterior commissure line. Smaller potentials with similar latency but no reversal could be recorded from STN electrodes. CONCLUSIONS: We propose that the thalamic SEP is generated by excitatory post-synaptic potentials in sensory relay neurons in nucleus ventrocaudalis. A small potential in STN at a similar latency, may be due to volume conduction from thalamus. Intraoperative and postoperative SEP recordings from DBS electrodes could be used to determine the optimal position of the contacts relative to the sensory pathways and the choice of contacts for chronic stimulation.

Adult↗

Deep brain stimulation of the subthalamic nucleus in Parkinson's disease: comparison of pre- and postoperative neuropsychological evaluation.

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) of the subthalamic nucleus (STN) is an effective treatment for the motor symptoms of advanced Parkinson's disease (PD). The aim of this study was to assess the effect of the bilateral surgical procedure and STN DBS on the neuropsychological functions. Twenty Parkinson's disease patients underwent a neuropsychological assessment before and 6 months after surgery in four different conditions: medication on (with levodopa) and medication off (without levodopa) during the preoperative period, medication on/stimulation on (levodopa plus stimulators switched on) and medication off/stimulation on (stimulators switched on without levodopa) during the postoperative period. We did not find any significant difference in the four conditions for all the neuropsychological tests, confirming the lack of an overall cognitive decline after surgery. From a neuropsychological point of view, these results seem to indicate that bilateral STN DBS is a safe treatment for advanced PD.

Age Factors↗

The future of deep brain stimulation.

During the last year, there has been an increase in the number of applications of deep brain stimulation (DBS) for the treatment of several neurologic disorders. With a better understanding of the mechanisms of action of DBS, it is likely that improvement in the outcomes and an increase in the indications for these procedures will be possible. In fact, the knowledge gained with the applications of stimulation for movement disorders and pain has been leveraged toward the treatment of other disorders, including epilepsy and psychiatric conditions. This will act as a driving force to increase the efforts to improve the technology applied to design and manufacture new hardware.

Brain↗

Uncovering the mechanisms of deep brain stimulation for Parkinson's disease through functional imaging, neural recording, and neural modeling.

High-frequency deep brain stimulation (DBS) of the thalamus or basal ganglia represents an effective clinical technique for the treatment of several medically refractory movement disorders, including Parkinson's disease. However, understanding of the mechanisms of action of DBS remains elusive. The goal of this review is to address our understanding of the effects of high-frequency stimulation within the central nervous system based on results from functional imaging, neural recording, and neural modeling experiments. Using these results, we address the main hypotheses on the mechanisms of action of DBS and conclude that stimulation-induced desynchronization of network oscillations represents the hypothesis that best explains the presently available data.

Basal Ganglia↗

Long-term follow-up of patients with thalamic deep brain stimulation for epilepsy.

The authors describe long-term follow-up (mean, 5 years) in patients with anterior (AN) (n = 6) or centromedian (n = 2) thalamic deep brain stimulation (DBS) for epilepsy. Five patients (all AN) had > or = 50% seizure reduction, although benefit was delayed in two until years 5 to 6, after changes in antiepileptic drugs. DBS electrode implantation in AN patients was followed by seizure reduction 1 to 3 months before active stimulation, raising the possibility of a beneficial microthalamotomy effect.

Adolescent↗

The nucleus accumbens: a target for deep brain stimulation in obsessive-compulsive- and anxiety-disorders.

We considered clinical observations in patients with obsessive-compulsive- and anxiety-disorders, who underwent bilateral anterior capsulotomy, as well as anatomical and pathophysiological findings. Based on these considerations, we choose the shell region of the right nucleus accumbens as target for deep brain stimulation (DBS) in a pilot-series of four patients with severe obsessive-compulsive- and anxiety-disorders. Significant reduction in severity of symptoms has been achieved in three of four patients treated. Clinical results as well as a 15-O-H(2)O-PET study, perfomed in one patient during stimulation, speak in favour of the following hypothesis. As a central relay-structure between amygdala, basal ganglia, mesolimbic dopaminergic areas, mediodorsal thalamus and prefrontal cortex, the accumbens nucleus seems to play a modulatory role in information flow from the amygdaloid complex to the latter areas. If disturbed, imbalanced information flow from the amygdaloid complex could yield obsessive-compulsive- and anxiety-disorders, which can be counteracted by blocking the information flow within the shell region of the accumbens nucleus by deep brain stimulation.

Animals↗

Effects of high frequency deep brain stimulation on urine storage and voiding function in conscious minipigs.

AIMS: Suprapontine neural integration during the storage phase is decisive for the timing of voiding. Neurological disorders like Parkinson's disease are thus frequently complicated by bladder dysfunction. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of high frequency deep brain stimulation on the urine storage and voiding function in conscious Parkinsonian minipigs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Five Goettingen minipigs had a Parkinsonism-like state induced by intoxication with 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP). An electrode for chronic stimulation was placed unilaterally in the subthalamic nucleus. The effect of stimulation was determined by the outcome of transurethral cystometries performed with the stimulation in on- and off-mode. RESULTS: Of 20 planned cystometry-sessions 18 were completed. Six incomplete voidings occurred in stimulation on-mode and five in off-mode. Interruption of the stimulation for 2 days was followed by a significant increase in pressure rise on filling to cystometric capacity, from 7 to 21 cmH(2)O (P = 0.005), and an insignificant reduction in cystometric capacity from 30 to 26 ml/kg bodywt. (P = 0.370), leading to a significant decrease in bladder compliance from 124 to 34 ml/cmH(2)O (P = 0.013). CONCLUSIONS: Transurethral cystometry was a feasible examination technique in pigs. The findings demonstrate that high frequency deep brain stimulation changes the bladder characteristics in the storage phase. Since bladder pressure and capacity responded differently to interruption of stimulation distinct neural mechanisms must be involved in the modulation of sensory information on bladder tension and stretch.

Animals↗

Patient-controlled deep brain stimulation can overcome analgesic tolerance.

We report a technique based on patient-controlled stimulation to restore analgesia after development of tolerance to deep brain stimulation (DBS). A 45-year-old female with neurogenic pain after cerebellar stroke underwent DBS implantation in the right ventralis caudalis (VC) thalamus with excellent stimulus-controlled analgesia for 29 months, followed by development of tolerance and loss of analgesia. Analgesia was restored when a stimulation module that allowed patient-controlled stimulation was implanted.

Analgesia, Patient-Controlled↗

Deep brain stimulation for chronic neuropathic pain: long-term outcome and the incidence of insertional effect.

We conducted a retrospective analysis of long-term results of deep brain stimulation (DBS) for the treatment of neuropathic pain. Twenty-one patients had electrodes implanted in the ventrocaudalis thalamic nucleus (Vc) (n=13) or in both Vc and periaqueductal/periventricular gray matter (PAG/PVG) (n=8). After insertion of the electrodes, 9 patients (43%) had a substantial reduction in pain scores in the absence of stimulation (insertional effect). The effects of stimulation were studied right after surgery or upon return of the patients' pain after electrode insertion (stimulation trials). Patients with a greater than 50% reduction in pain scores were implanted with a pulse generator (IPG). Of interest, patients who had an insertional effect had a trend towards a successful stimulation trial (p=0.08). Overall, 13 of the 21 patients operated (62%) had a successful stimulation trial and received an IPG (12 with electrodes in Vc and one in both Vc and PAG/PVG). Seven patients (33%) did not benefit from stimulation and had the electrodes removed. One patient experienced a prolonged insertional effect and has not required stimulation. Of the 13 patients that received an IPG, 8 discontinued stimulation during the first year of treatment. Only 5 patients maintained long-term benefit (4 with stimulation in Vc and one in both Vc and PAG/PVG). The relatively low efficacy of DBS for the treatment of neuropathic pain stresses the need for further investigation and the exploration of new surgical targets.

Adult↗

Clinical experience with dexmedetomidine for implantation of deep brain stimulators in Parkinson's disease.

The pharmacologic profile of the alpha-2 agonist dexmedetomidine (Dex) suggests that it may be an ideal sedative drug for deep brain stimulator (DBS) implantation. We performed a retrospective chart review of anesthesia records of patients who underwent DBS implantation from 2001 to 2004. In 2003, a clinical protocol with Dex sedation for DBS implantation was initiated. Demographic data, use of antihypertensive medication, and duration of mapping were compared between patients who received Dex (11 patients/13 procedures) and patients who did not receive any sedation (controls: 8 patients/9 procedures). There were no differences in severity of illness between the two groups. Dex provided patient comfort and surgical satisfaction with mapping in all cases, and significantly reduced the use of antihypertensive medication (54% in the Dex group, versus 100% in controls, P = 0.048). In DBS implantation, sedation with Dex did not interfere with electrophysiologic mapping, and provided hemodynamic stability and patient comfort. Routine use of Dex in these procedures may be indicated.

Aged↗

Effect of chronic deep brain stimulation of the subthalamic nucleus for frontal lobe epilepsy: subtraction SPECT analysis.

OBJECTIVES: Experimental data and case reports of patients with intractable epilepsy treated with deep brain stimulation (DBS) of the subthalamic nucleus (STN) suggest a considerable anticonvulsant effect. However, no satisfactory mechanisms of action have yet been elucidated. We investigated the putative therapeutic mechanisms of DBS from cerebral perfusion changes as measured by subtracting the SPECT image of the pre-DBS period from that of the chronic post-DBS state. METHODS: Two patients who had previous resective surgery on their right frontal cortices with or without anterior callosotomy were selected for DBS of the STN. Both of them showed frequent bilateral asymmetric tonic seizures (left > right) with rare drop attacks, and 1 patient's seizure frequency was more than 15/month during the pre-DBS period. They had both taken more than four antiepileptic agents for more than 10 years. After video-EEG monitoring, the irritative zones of the brain were delineated. The regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) changes between the two SPECT images (pre-DBS and post-DBS after at least 6 months) were analyzed by SPECT subtraction with the volumetric MRI coregistration method using Analyze 5.0 software. RESULTS: After chronic STN DBS (18 months, case 1; 6 months, case 2), both patients experienced markedly reduced seizure frequencies (86.7% reduction in patient 1, 88.6% in patient 2). In patient 1, the increased rCBF was observed in the right frontal areas (dorsolateral and inferior frontal area), which corresponded to the irritative zones as confirmed by previous EEG recording. Unexpectedly, there was definite hyperperfusion in the right superior and inferior temporal areas as well as rCBF increase in the right superior frontal area (SMA) in patient 2. CONCLUSIONS: We demonstrated that the cerebral perfusion increase in the irritative zones of epilepsy patients is associated with favorable seizure reduction after STN DBS in 2 cases of frontal lobe epilepsy. Although the exact mechanism remains unknown, our findings suggest that the perfusion changes after STN DBS in frontal lobe epilepsy patients are quite different from those in subjects with Parkinson's disease. Our preliminary data suggest the clinical relevance of subtraction SPECT imaging in assessing the postprocedural outcome as well as the characteristics of SPECT perfusion patterns in other epilepsy syndromes.

Adult↗