Dual beta rhythms could guide more precise Parkinson's brain stimulation
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center studying Parkinson's disease have discovered a previously unrecognized sequence of abnormal activity across multiple regions of the brain, providing a new level of understanding that could improve treatment options.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have discovered a previously unknown sequence of abnormal brain activity in Parkinson's disease patients. This finding could lead to more precise treatments for the neurological disorder. Senior author Nader Pouratian explained that while previous research indicated abnormal brain activity in Parkinson's, it was thought to be confined to a single region.
The new study, published in Cell Reports Medicine, utilized deep brain stimulation (DBS) surgery to record electrophysiological signals from multiple brain networks in 23 patients. The researchers identified two distinct beta signals, low-beta and high-beta, which have unique spatial, temporal, and potential functional roles. These signals are coordinated and timed, suggesting a deficiency in dopamine, the chemical messenger crucial for various bodily functions.
Unlike current DBS treatments that use a constant stimulation, the study emphasizes the potential benefits of measuring and targeting the dual-signal activity separately for more responsive and precise stimulation.
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