Localizing beta synchronous neurons in the STN using directional DBS recordings and patient-specific biophysical models.

OBJECTIVE

Local field potentials (LFPs) exhibit abnormally elevated beta-band power in the subthalamic nucleus (STN) of patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). To better understand these signals, we coupled advanced biophysical models with experimental LFP recordings to characterize the neural sources underlying beta oscillations in PD patients.

METHODS

Patient-specific biophysical models simulated LFPs with detailed representation of the directional DBS electrodes in the local neuroanatomy, as well as the ionic currents generated by STN neural activity. We then used the models to perform source localization of a beta synchronous volume of STN neurons in each patient. We also compared the utility of various referencing schemes for source localization.

RESULTS

The beta synchronous volumes typically localized to the posterior STN. We also identified a novel vertical-directional bipolar referencing scheme that demonstrated superior source localization.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results support the hypothesis that beta synchronous STN neurons cluster into distinct focal areas, as opposed to being uniformly distributed throughout the nucleus.

SIGNIFICANCE: This proof-of-concept study demonstrates that patient-specific models characterizing the spatiotemporal characteristics of beta oscillations in the STN can be used to define a patient-specific target volume for DBS therapy.