Dynamics of beta-oscillations in human subthalamic neurons: a single-case study

Besides oscillatory firing in the range of the tremor frequency (4–7Hz), neurons in the subthalamic nucleus (STN) of tremolous Parkinson's disease (PD) patients also display epochs of synchronized oscillatory activity in the beta-band (i.e., between 15–30Hz). Based on previous observations that the synchronization of these high-frequency-oscillations (HFO) is reduced by voluntary movements, HFO have been hypothesized to synchronize motor circuits and hence are related to the mechanisms of bradykinesia and akinesia. This study examines the dynamics of multiple pairs of subthalamic neurons displaying HFO on differ…