A Snapshot seminar hosted by the School of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience

Abstract: Electrophysiological recordings from patients with hypo- and hyperkinetic movement disorders have revealed oscillatory patterns in the brain that are closely linked to specific motor symptoms such as rigidity or dyskinesia. These insights have led to the development of closed-loop deep brain stimulation strategies that aim to suppress pathological brain activity in a targeted fashion while avoiding side effects. Side effects in patients with Parkinson’s can include speech impairments and walking difficulties. I will discuss three research directions to improving therapy options. First, I will describe a novel alternating deep brain stimulation pattern that we have developed with the aim to support gait control. Second, I will discuss a neurofeedback study that revealed how two distinct symptoms of Parkinson’s disease – slow movements and tremor – are differentially affected by intermittent modulation of oscillatory patterns. And finally, I will consider how relatively fast, so-called ‘gamma’ synchronization may support the process of initiating or invigorating a movement. Understanding interactions between slow and fast oscillatory patterns will likely be an important factor for the development of highly effective personalized deep brain stimulation.

Zoom Link: https://bristol-ac-uk.zoom.us/j/4798119105?pwd=MlZRZEt6aWhQb0NYT2pXd3N5aVRvQT09