Subthalamic beta band suppression reflects effective neuromodulation in chronic recordings

Eur J Neurol. 2021 Jul;28(7):2372-2377. doi: 10.1111/ene.14801. Epub 2021 Mar 26.

Abstract

Background and purpose: Biomarkers for future adaptive deep brain stimulation still need evaluation in clinical routine. Here, we aimed to assess stimulation-induced modulation of beta-band activity and clinical symptoms in a Parkinson's disease patient during chronic neuronal sensing using a novel implantable pulse generator.

Methods: Subthalamic activity was recorded OFF and ON medication during a stepwise increase of stimulation amplitude. Off-line fast fourier transfom -based analysis of beta-band activity was correlated with motor performance rated from blinded videos.

Results: The stepwise increase of stimulation amplitude resulted in decreased beta oscillatory activity and improvement of bradykinesia. Mean low beta-band (13-20 Hz) activity correlated significantly with bradykinesia (ρ = 0.662, p < 0.01).

Conclusions: Motor improvement is reflected in reduced subthalamic beta-band activity in Parkinson's disease, supporting beta activity as a reliable biomarker. The novel PERCEPT neurostimulator enables chronic neuronal sensing in clinical routine. Our findings pave the way for a personalized precision-medicine approach to neurostimulation.

Keywords: Parkinson's disease; biomarkers; chronic LFP recordings; deep brain stimulation; neuromodulation.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Deep Brain Stimulation*
  • Humans
  • Hypokinesia
  • Neurons
  • Parkinson Disease* / therapy
  • Subthalamic Nucleus*