Deep brain stimulation for Parkinson's disease : from basic to advance approach

Abstract

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) for Parkinson's disease (PD) has been approved since the year 2000, and more than 9,000 patients with PD have been received in Japan. Controlling the stimulation parameters with anti–PD drugs should be performed simultaneously. Therefore, it is important to understand the therapeutic characteristics and mechanisms of DBS. Recent developments in DBS devices, such as directional lead and closed–loop stimulation, enable us to control symptoms precisely than previous devices. Using closed–loop stimulation, we can evaluate the neuronal activity of the basal ganglia and monitor it continuously. This is the first therapy for PD using real–time biological markers of the brain. Further development of both medication and device–aided therapy is expected to establish disease–modifying effects on PD.