The functional organization of the sensorimotor region of the subthalamic nucleus

Abstract

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) of the subthalamic nucleus (STN) is viewed by many as the ultimate therapy targeting severe advanced stages of Parkinson's disease (PD). A fundamental constituent of the mechanisms underlying the therapeutic effects of DBS is clearly the functional organization of the STN; however, there is limited understanding of the organization of this structure in humans. Data from primates suggest that different domains can be identified in the STN, including a sensorimotor area with a segregated body map, as well as nonmotor areas. Recent clinical studies have used microelectrode recording to investigate the presence of a body map in the sensorimotor STN of PD patients. This paper will review and compare experimental and clinical data regarding the functional organization of the STN and discuss the clinical implications for PD patients undergoing STN DBS.