High-Frequency Stimulation of the Subthalamic Nucleus Suppresses Oscillatory   Activity in Patients with Parkinson's Disease in Parallel with Improvement in Motor Performance

High-frequency stimulation (HFS) of the subthalamic nucleus (STN) is a well-established therapy for patients with severe Parkinson's disease (PD), but its mechanism of action is unclear. Exaggerated oscillatory synchronization in the beta (13-30 Hz) frequency band has been associated with bradykinesia in patients with PD. Accordingly, we tested the hypothesis that the clinical benefit exerted by STN HFS is accompanied by suppression of local beta activity. To this end, we explored the after effects of STN HFS on the oscillatory local field potential (LFP) activity recorded from the STN immediately after the cessation of HFS in 11 PD patients. Only patients that demonstrated a temporary persistence of clinical…

• NP
  National Parkinson Foundation
• P
  Parkinsonfonden
• MR
  Medical Research Council