Deep brain stimulation

Functional neurosurgery

Deep brain stimulation(DBS), in which certain regions of the brain are chronically electrically stimulated via permanently implanted electrodes, is a highly effective and established therapy for movement disorders such as Parkinson's disease. DBS is becoming increasingly important for neuropsychiatric disorders.

The underlying mechanisms of action of DBS, in particular its influence on the pathophysiology of the respective disease, are not yet fully understood. We use animal models to better understand the complex interaction of DBS with the neuronal functional loops of the brain under physiological and pathological conditions. We use the information gained from this to further develop the stimulation technology, clarify the side effects of the stimulation and thus further improve this treatment method.

It is crucial for the experimental studies that the animal model used reflects the Clinical Department and pathophysiology of the human disease and that the stimulation setup and the effect of DBS correspond to those of humans in critical aspects. In a translational approach, we are investigating animal models for movement disorders and neuropsychiatric diseases the functional effects of DBS at the behavioral level (motor, cognitive and emotional behavior) and at the cellular level using neurophysiological methods. To do this, we use very fine electrodes that are adapted to the brain of rats.