Studying DBS Mechanisms

Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) is a non-invasive tool used that can indirectly measure changes in brain function overtime based on changes in blood oxygenation in response to neural activity. In this project, we are using fMRI to yield a better understanding of the functional mechanisms of deep brain stimulation (DBS), an effective neurosurgical intervention that can significantly reduce the burden of movement disorders like Parkinson’s disease and psychiatric conditions like obsessive-compulsive disorder. This work will ultimately help clinicians choose the optimal brain targets for DBS and therapy settings such that the individual patient can maximally benefit from the therapy.

 

Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) Explained

 

Parkinson’s Disease Before Versus After DBS