# Cortical Network Modulation by Subthalamic Nucleus Deep Brain Stimulation

> **NIH NIH R01** · WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY · 2021 · $587,064

## Abstract

Deep brain stimulation of the subthalamic nucleus (STN DBS) can provide substantial motor benefit yet
occasional mood and cognitive side effects in Parkinson disease (PD). Current literature hypothesizes that
downstream network level effects are a critical mechanism of STN DBS’s influence on motor and non-motor
behavior, however our ability to test this hypothesis has been limited. Common imaging modalities either do
not have the temporal resolution necessary to discern resting state functional connectivity of cortical networks
or are not suitable or safe for patients with implanted DBS. We have developed a novel high-density diffuse
optical tomography (HD-DOT) system for measuring brain hemodynamics which can accurately map the
functional connectivity of cortical resting state networks (RSN) or task-evoked responses within the first ~1cm
of cortex. HD-DOT has comparable temporal and spatial resolution to fMRI, greater comfort than MRI or PET,
no radiation exposure, no electrical artifacts, no metal artifacts and no contraindications or safety concerns for
DBS patients. We have strong preliminary data showing the validity and feasibility of assessing cortical RSNs
and task-induced responses in STN DBS patients. With our novel HD-DOT system, careful experimental
design and rigorous analyses, this study will determine the nature of cortical RSN-level modulation induced by
STN DBS and its relationship to DBS-induced motor and cognitive change. Controls and individuals with PD
will be enrolled pre-surgically and scanned with HD-DOT and MRI (resting state BOLD, structural]). After
implantation and optimization of DBS, PD individuals will be scanned with HD-DOT in several conditions. With
these data, we will test hypotheses about networks that are responsive to important characteristics of STN
DBS (e.g.location) and their relationship to motor and non-motor function. This information ultimately could
provide methods for faster optimization of DBS parameters and help identify cortical nodes or networks
involved in STN DBS-induced benefits or side effects that would provide future targets for less invasive
neuromodulation. Finally, this work could reveal fundamental properties of cortical network physiology such as
the capacity for plasticity in response to up-stream perturbations.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10220160
- **Project number:** 5R01NS109487-03
- **Recipient organization:** WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY
- **Principal Investigator:** JOSEPH P CULVER
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2021
- **Award amount:** $587,064
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2019-09-06 → 2024-06-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10220160

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10220160, Cortical Network Modulation by Subthalamic Nucleus Deep Brain Stimulation (5R01NS109487-03). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10220160. Licensed CC0.

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