Researchers at Mayo Clinic have introduced a breakthrough method for enhancing deep brain stimulation (DBS), a widely used treatment for movement disorders like Parkinson’s disease and tremors. By recording broadband brain signals, the team achieved greater precision in detecting brain cell activity during DBS procedures. This improvement could enable real-time adjustments to electrode placement and stimulation levels, leading to more personalized and effective care.

The study, published in the Journal of Neurophysiology, involved 15 patients undergoing awake DBS surgery. Traditionally, brain activity during such procedures is monitored within a narrow frequency band, offering limited detail. However, Mayo Clinic researchers employed advanced equipment and custom algorithms to capture a broader range of frequencies. These “broadband” signals provided more detailed insights into when and where neurons were firing.

Dr. Bryan Klassen explained that this signal, recorded in the motor thalamus—a key brain region for movement—was more accurately tied to physical actions, such as hand movements. Unlike prior studies that observed broadband signals only at the brain’s surface, this research successfully captured them deep within the brain.

Study coauthor Dr. Matthew Baker emphasized that these findings could lead to more accurate brain mapping and improved neurostimulation outcomes. The team now plans to explore how these signals vary with different movements and whether they can be used to develop adaptive DBS devices that activate only when needed, reducing potential side effects and enhancing therapy.