GPi/GPe borderland– a potential sweet spot for deep brain stimulation for chorea in Huntington’s disease?

Abstract Background Pallidal deep brain stimulation (GPi-DBS) has been considered as an effective treatment option for medication-refractory Huntington’s disease (HD). Objectives To identify stimulation-dependent effects on motor symptoms and to determine if these alterations are associated with the local impact of DBS on different pallidal parcellations. Methods We prospectively evaluated the effects of bilateral GPi-DBS within one year in 5 HD patients. We evaluated the effects of GPi-DBS on choreatic symptoms and UHDRS. Electrode placement in the pallidum was localized, and the local impact of DBS was estimated. Results The chorea subscore (p < 0.001) and UHDRS total motor score was significantly reduced postoperatively (p = 0.019). Pallidal DBS did not improve other motor symptoms. Activation of the lateral GPi/GPe was associated with improvement in choreatic symptoms (p = 0.048; r = 0.90). Conclusions Our findings indicate that stimulation of the lateral GPi has a stable effect on choreatic symptoms. The modulation of the electrical field is relevant for motor outcome.