Neurophysiological identification of the subthalamic nucleus in surgery for Parkinson's disease
Microelectrode recording methods for stereotactic localization of the subthalamic nucleus (STN) and surrounding structures are described. These methods accurately define targets for chronic deep brain stimulation in the treatment of Parkinson's disease. Mean firing rates and a burst index were...
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Published in | Annals of neurology Vol. 44; no. 4; p. 622 |
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Main Authors | , , , , , , |
Format | Journal Article |
Language | English |
Published |
United States
01.10.1998
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Subjects | |
Online Access | Get more information |
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Summary: | Microelectrode recording methods for stereotactic localization of the subthalamic nucleus (STN) and surrounding structures are described. These methods accurately define targets for chronic deep brain stimulation in the treatment of Parkinson's disease. Mean firing rates and a burst index were determined for all recorded neurons, and responses to active and passive limb and orofacial movements were tested. STN neurons had a mean firing rate of 37+/-17 Hz (n = 248) and an irregular firing pattern (median burst index, 3.3). Movement-related activity and tremor cells were identified in the STN. Ventral to the STN, substantia nigra pars reticulata neurons had a mean rate of 71+/-23 Hz (n = 56) and a more regular firing pattern (median burst index, 1.7). Short trains (1-2 seconds) of electrical microstimulation of STN could produce tremor arrest but were not found to be useful for localization. Compared with data from normal monkeys our findings suggest that STN neuronal activity is elevated in Parkinson's disease. |
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ISSN: | 0364-5134 1531-8249 |
DOI: | 10.1002/ana.410440407 |