Modelling, Simulaltion, and Visualization of Deep Brain Stimulation

Abstract: Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is an effective surgical treatment for neurological diseases such as essential tremor, Parkinson?s disease (PD) and dystonia. DBS has so far been used in more than 70 000 patients with movement disorders, and is currently in trial for intractable Gilles de la Tourette’s syndrome, obsessive compulsive disorders, depression, and epilepsy. DBS electrodes are implanted with stereotactic neurosurgical techniques in the deep regions of the brain. Chronic electrical stimulation is delivered to the electrodes from battery-operated pulse generators that are implanted below the clavicle.The clinical benefit of DBS is largely dependent on the spatial distribution of the electric field in relation to brain anatomy. To maximize therapeutic benefits while avoiding unwanted side-effects, knowledge of the distribution of the electric field in relation anatomy is essential. Due to difficulties in measuring electric fields in vivo, computerized analysis with finite element models have emerged as an alternative.The aim of the thesis was to investigate technical and clinical aspects of DBS by means of finite element models, simulations, and visualizations of the electric field and tissue anatomy. More specifically the effects of dilated perivascular spaces filled with cerebrospinal fluid on the electrical field generated by DBS was evaluated. A method for patient-specific finite element modelling and simulation of DBS was developed and used to investigate the anatomical distribution of the electric field in relation to clinical effects and side effects. Patient-specific models were later used to investigate the electric field in relation to effects on speech and movement during DBS in patients with PD (n=10). Patient-specific models and simulations were also used to evaluate the influence of heterogeneous isotropic and heterogeneous anisotropic tissue on the electric field during DBS. In addition, methods were developed for visualization of atlas-based and patient-specific anatomy in 3D for interpretation of anatomy, visualization of neural activation with the activating function, and visualization of tissue micro structure. 3D visualization of anatomy was used to assess electrode contact locations in relation to stimulation-induced side-effects (n=331) during DBS for patients with essential tremor (n=28). The modelling, simulation, and visualization of DBS provided detailed information about the distribution of the electric field and its connection to clinical effects and side-effects of stimulation. In conclusion, the results of this thesis provided insights that may help to improve DBS as a treatment for movement disorders as well as for other neurological diseases in the future.