Open AccessEvolution of Deep Brain Stimulation: Human Electrometer and Smart Devices Supporting the Next Generation of Therapy
Author(s) -
Lee Kendall H.,
Blaha Charles D.,
Garris Paul A.,
Mohseni Pedram,
Horne April E.,
Bennet Kevin E.,
Agnesi Filippo,
Bledsoe Jonathan M.,
Lester Deranda B.,
Kimble Chris,
Min HoonKi,
Kim YoungBo,
Cho ZangHee
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
neuromodulation: technology at the neural interface
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.296
H-Index - 60
eISSN - 1525-1403
pISSN - 1094-7159
DOI - 10.1111/j.1525-1403.2009.00199.x
Subject(s) - deep brain stimulation , subthalamic nucleus , neuroscience , dopaminergic , dopamine , dopaminergic pathways , parkinson's disease , mechanism (biology) , medicine , disease , psychology , philosophy , epistemology
Deep brain stimulation (DBS) provides therapeutic benefit for several neuropathologies, including Parkinson disease (PD), epilepsy, chronic pain, and depression. Despite well‐established clinical efficacy, the mechanism of DBS remains poorly understood. In this review, we begin by summarizing the current understanding of the DBS mechanism. Using this knowledge as a framework, we then explore a specific hypothesis regarding DBS of the subthalamic nucleus (STN) for the treatment of PD. This hypothesis states that therapeutic benefit is provided, at least in part, by activation of surviving nigrostriatal dopaminergic neurons, subsequent striatal dopamine release, and resumption of striatal target cell control by dopamine. While highly controversial, we present preliminary data that are consistent with specific predications testing this hypothesis. We additionally propose that developing new technologies (e.g., human electrometer and closed‐loop smart devices) for monitoring dopaminergic neurotransmission during STN DBS will further advance this treatment approach.