Abstract
In Parkinson’s disease (PD), subthalamic nucleus (STN) beta burst activity is pathologically elevated. These bursts are reduced by dopamine and deep brain stimulation (DBS). Therefore, these bursts have been tested as a trigger for closed-loop DBS. To provide better targeted parameters for closed-loop stimulation, we investigate the spatial distribution of beta bursts within the STN and if they are specific to a beta sub-band. Local field potentials (LFP) were acquired in the STN of 27 PD patients while resting. Based on the orientation of segmented DBS electrodes, the LFPs were classified as anterior, postero-medial, and postero-lateral. Each recording lasted 30 min with (ON) and without (OFF) dopamine. Bursts were detected in three frequency bands: ±3 Hz around the individual beta peak frequency, low beta band (lBB), and high beta band (hBB). Medication reduced the duration and the number of bursts per minute but not the amplitude of the beta bursts. The burst amplitude was spatially modulated, while the burst duration and rate were frequency dependent. Furthermore, the hBB burst duration was positively correlated with the akinetic-rigid UPDRS III subscore. Overall, these findings on differential dopaminergic modulation of beta burst parameters suggest that hBB burst duration is a promising target for closed-loop stimulation and that burst parameters could guide DBS programming.
Highlights
Increased beta band activity in the subthalamic nucleus (STN) is considered to be a hallmark of Parkinson’s disease (PD): It correlates with motor symptoms and is reduced by dopaminergic medication or deep brain stimulation (DBS) in the STN (Ray et al, 2008; Kühn et al, 2009)
In the case of beta bursts, it is not known which burst properties lead to the best clinical outcome if they are used as feedback signal for closed-loop DBS
As the beta peak frequency differed between the recording directions, we investigate in the following to what extent the recording orientation and frequency band influence beta bursts
Summary
Increased beta band activity in the subthalamic nucleus (STN) is considered to be a hallmark of Parkinson’s disease (PD): It correlates with motor symptoms and is reduced by dopaminergic medication or deep brain stimulation (DBS) in the STN (Ray et al, 2008; Kühn et al, 2009). Recent evidence points to beta activity occurring in phasic bursts in the cortex Beta bursts can be used as a feedback signal for closedloop DBS to improve the stimulation outcome, highlighting their clinical relevance (Arlotti et al, 2018; Velisar et al, 2019). In the case of beta bursts, it is not known which burst properties lead to the best clinical outcome if they are used as feedback signal for closed-loop DBS
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
