Subthalamic beta band suppression reflects effective neuromodulation in chronic recordings

Background and purpose Biomarkers for future adaptive deep brain stimulation still need evaluation in clinical routine. Here, we aimed to assess stimulation-induced modulation of beta-band activity and clinical symptoms in a Parkinson's disease patient during chronic neuronal sensing using a novel implantable pulse generator. Methods Subthalamic activity was recorded OFF and ON medication during a stepwise increase of stimulation amplitude. Off-line fast fourier transfom -based analysis of beta-band activity was correlated with motor performance rated from blinded videos. Results The stepwise increase of stimulation amplitude resulted in decreased beta oscillatory activity and improvement of bradykinesia. Mean low beta-band (13-20 Hz) activity correlated significantly with bradykinesia (rho = 0.662, p < 0.01). Conclusions Motor improvement is reflected in reduced subthalamic beta-band activity in Parkinson's disease, supporting beta activity as a reliable biomarker. The novel PERCEPT neurostimulator enables chronic neuronal sensing in clinical routine. Our findings pave the way for a personalized precision-medicine approach to neurostimulation.

Automated summary

This study aimed to assess the stimulation-induced modulation of beta-band activity and clinical symptoms in a Parkinson's disease patient using a novel implantable pulse generator. Results showed that an increase in stimulation amplitude led to decreased beta oscillatory activity and improvement in bradykinesia. The correlation between low beta-band activity and bradykinesia highlights the potential of beta activity as a reliable biomarker for motor improvement in Parkinson's disease.