Optimization of Parameters of Subthalamic Nucleus Stimulation

Overview

Deep brain stimulation of the subthalamic nucleus is an effective treatment for Parkinson's disease. The analysis of cerebral signals of the subthalamic nucleus by local field potentials, provides one of the main electrophysiological markers of the success of the stimulation. This marker can be used to evaluate new paradigms of stimulation. So far, little studied, the temporal characteristics of the stimulation are very important in the effectiveness of the stimulation of the subthalamic nucleus, in Parkinson's disease. The first objective (Study I) is to compare the effectiveness of the stimulation when it is applied with biphasic symmetrical pulses and when applied with the standard pulses applied so far. The second objective (Study II) is to see if, by applying pseudo-random time intervals between each stimulation pulse, if it would be possible to improve the efficiency and to limit the side effects of the stimulation. The third objective (Study III) is to evaluate the electrophysiological changes of the subthalamic nucleus caused by the general anesthesia, in the anticipation of the realization of the surgery of the stimulation of the subthalamic nucleus under general anesthesia.

Study I and II: Patients who participate undergo pulse generator change under sedation. Four sets of stimulation parameters will be compared. The efficacy of every set will be measured on induced changes in LFP recorded from the STN electrodes. LFP will be compared between before, during and right after each stimulation conditions. The stimulation order will be randomized. All other stimulation parameters will be the same (macrocontact with most beta-oscillations, 1 minute, 1.5mA) . Study III: Patients who participate undergo their first pulse generator implantation, performed under general anesthesia because of wire tunnelisation. The depth of anesthesia will be documented, recording the BIS spectral analysis index. The difference in spectral amplitude density of LFP, in particular in beta band oscillations will be correlated with the depth of anesthesia as measured with the BIS index at the time of 2 minutes recordings.