Sensory percepts induced by microwire array and DBS microstimulation in human sensory thalamus.

Background: Microstimulation in human sensory thalamus (ventrocaudal, VC) results in focal sensory percepts in the hand and arm which may provide an alternative target site (to somatosensory cortex) for the input of prosthetic sensory information. Sensory feedback to facilitate motor function may require simultaneous or timed responses across separate digits to recreate perceptions of slip as well as encoding of intensity variations in pressure or touch.

Objectives: To determine the feasibility of evoking sensory percepts on separate digits with variable intensity through either a microwire array or deep brain stimulation (DBS) electrode, recreating "natural" and scalable percepts relating to the arm and hand.

Analysis of the time course of the effect of subthalamic nucleus stimulation upon hand function in Parkinson's patients.

Background: Deep brain stimulation (DBS) of the subthalamic nucleus (STN) as treatment for Parkinson's disease has been in use for more than a decade, yet the immediate effect of stimulation upon movement parameters is not well characterized.

Objective: The goal of the current study is the identification of the best time point to test hand function after programming DBS devices.

Methods: Reaction time, movement time and velocity were measured at multiple time points with a movement-sensitive glove after the deep brain stimulator had been turned on or off, during 'off medication' conditions.