Objective: We characterized stimulation-induced euphoria during the programming of STN DBS. The lead contacts where euphoria was elicited were characterized anatomically and electrophysiologically.
Background: Mood changes after STN DBS are occasionally reported in patients with PD. In addition, stimulation-induced euphoria is observed in some patients during the postoperative programming and thought to be related to the involvement of the limbic area of STN. Local field potential (LFP) recordings of STN can help to localize the STN. Synchronized neuronal activities at Alpha (4-10 Hz) and Beta (13-35 Hz) are readily recorded from basal ganglia structures and correlated with different parkinsonian symptoms.
Method: Results of 24 PD patients underwent bilateral STN DBS, whom euphoria was induced during programming were reviewed retrospectively. The contacts that euphoria was elicited were termed euphoria-inducing contacts (EIC). Locations of these contacts were further compared with those where the highest Alpha or Beta activities were recorded. In 11 patients, the anatomical localization of contacts with EIC were further obtained by using MRI coregistration.
Results: Euphoria could be elicited from both right and left hemispheres, 41.7% from the right side and 58.3% from the left. In the aspect of electrophysiology, the beta peak mostly be around EIC within a distance of 1 mm, while the alpha peak mostly appeared below EIC 1mm or above EIC 3mm. These two factors together could predict 84.7% of EIC location. In patients whose MRI coregistration were available, 63.6% pass through the common border of sensorimotor region and associative region, which was within the ventral part of the sensorimotor region of STN.
Conclusion: We characterized the EIC in STN of PD and correlated the locations with anatomical and electrophysiological landmarks. Future work will explore whether it’s helpful in optimal DBS programming.
To cite this abstract in AMA style:
Y.C Chen, C.H Yeh, P.H Tu, P.L Chen, H. Wu, M.K Yang, C.C Chen. Euphoria-inducing lead contacts: mapping of image and electrophysiology in Parkinson’s disease [abstract]. Mov Disord. 2020; 35 (suppl 1). https://www.mdsabstracts.org/abstract/euphoria-inducing-lead-contacts-mapping-of-image-and-electrophysiology-in-parkinsons-disease/. Accessed June 15, 2025.« Back to MDS Virtual Congress 2020
MDS Abstracts - https://www.mdsabstracts.org/abstract/euphoria-inducing-lead-contacts-mapping-of-image-and-electrophysiology-in-parkinsons-disease/