Frontiers in Human Neuroscience (Sep 2014)

A critical reflection on the technological development of deep brain stimulation (DBS)

  • Christian eIneichen,
  • Walter eGlannon,
  • Yasin eTemel,
  • Christian eBaumann,
  • Oguzkan eSürücü

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3389/fnhum.2014.00730
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 8

Abstract

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Since the translational research findings of Benabid and colleagues, which partly led to their seminal paper regarding the treatment of mainly tremor-dominant Parkinson patients through thalamic high-frequency-stimulation (HFS) in 1987, we still struggle with identifying a satisfactory mechanistic explanation of the underlying principles of Deep Brain Stimulation. Furthermore, the technological advance of DBS devices (electrodes and implantable pulse generators, IPG's) has shown a distinct lack of dynamic progression. In light of this we argue that it is time to leave the paleolithic age and enter hellenistic times: the device-manufacturing industry and the medical community together should put more emphasis on advancing the technology rather than resting on their laurels.

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