TRR 295 ReTune – Project S01

Treatment of motor network disorders using neuromodulation

Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) is a well-accepted treatment option for movement disorders such as Parkinson’s disease. Since DBS target structures are small, exact positioning of surgically-implanted electrodes is crucial to yield optimal outcomes. However, the most effective target position for DBS electrodes is still under debate. To study the relationship between clinical outcomes and electrode placement across patients, the field of DBS imaging evolved. This service project will be based on a widely-used software tool called Lead-DBS, which enables precise localization of DBS electrodes and modelling of their therapeutic effects. Our two primary goals are first, to perform electrode localizations for other projects within the TRR and second to further enhance Lead-DBS and our methodology in DBS modelling. This will involve two research projects, namely (i) a pipeline for multimodal imaging and precise subcortical segmentation of target structures, and (ii) advanced modelling of electric fields and the neural activation around the electrode to study the impact of DBS on surrounding tissue. These efforts will significantly improve imaging methodology for DBS and offer a support structure to answer the central research questions of the TRR 295.

Link to project page on TRR 295 ReTune website

Project duration

01.07.2020 to 30.06.2024