Model Based Development of Novel Deep Brain Stimulation Techniques

Pathological synchronization is a hallmark of several neurological diseases like Parkinson's disease (PD) or essential tremor [Alberts et al., Nature 1969; 221: 670; Nini et al., J Neurophys 1995; 74: 1800]. For example, a pacemaker-like population of neurons, which fires in a synchronized and periodical manner, provokes the Parkinsonian resting tremor [Alberts et al., Nature 1969; 221: 670]. In contrast, an uncorrelated, i.e., desynchronized firing pattern of these neuronal populations is characteristic in healthy subjects [Nini et al., J Neurophys 1995; 74: 1800]. In medically intractable patients, electrical…