Insights from a model based study on optimizing non invasive brain electrical stimulation for Parkinson’s disease

Abstract

Parkinson’s Disease (PD) is a disorder in the central nervous system which includes symptoms such as tremor, rigidity, and Bradykinesia. Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is the most effective method to treat PD motor symptoms especially when the patient is not responsive to other treatments. However, its invasiveness and high risk, involving electrode implantation in the Basal Ganglia (BG), prompt recent research to emphasize non-invasive Transcranial Electrical Stimulation (TES). TES proves to be effective in treating some PD symptoms with inherent safety and no associated risks. This study explores the potential of using TES, to modify the firing pattern of cells in BG that are responsible for motor symptoms in PD. The research employs a mathematical model of the BG to examine the impact of applying TES to the brain. This is conducted using a realistic head model incorporating the Finite Element Method (FEM). According to our findings, the firing pattern associated with Parkinson’s disease shifted towards a healthier firing pattern through the use of tACS. Employing an adaptive algorithm that continually monitored the behavior of BG cells (specifically, Globus Pallidus Pars externa (GPe)), we determined the optimal electrode number and placement to concentrate the current within the intended region. This resulted in a peak induced electric field of 1.9 v/m at the BG area. Our mathematical modeling together with precise finite element simulation of the brain and BG suggests that proposed method effectively mitigates Parkinsonian behavior in the BG cells. Furthermore, this approach ensures an improvement in the condition while adhering to all safety constraints associated with the current injection into the brain.