Epilepsy

Crossroad
Research theme: Neuromodulation 
Clinical pillar: Epilepsy

Deep Brain Stimulation for epilepsy can be helpful to alleviate the burden of ongoing seizures in patients with drug resistant epilepsy. Not all patients however benefit from the treatment. Our research focuses on the underlying mechanisms of effects and side effects of the treatment, including understanding of the electrophysiology of the stimulated areas, to be able to improve the effects of the DBS. Activities are in collaboration with Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience and Kempenhaeghe/ Academic Center of Epileptology (ACE).

Unique contributions and highlights

Defining the electrophysiological profile of the anterior nucleus of the thalamus

Using perioperative microelectrode recordings, we were able to define the neurophysiological profile of the anterior nucleus of the thalamus (see Figure). Results on comparisons between responder profiles were published in the International Journal of Nursing Studies (Schaper et al, International Journal of Neural Systems 2019, 1850012).

Electrophysiological recordings of internal capsule, thalamus, and anterior thalamic nucleus, showing the typical bursting activity of the anterior thalamic neurons.

MU