# EEG Correlates of Inhibitory Control During STN Deep Brain Stimulation

> **NIH NIH F31** · NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY · 2022 · $42,525

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY
 It is known that high frequency subthalamic nucleus deep brain stimulation (STN DBS) is very effective for
improving the appendicular motor symptoms of Parkinson’s disease (PD) but stimulation often worsens inhibitory
control. Our laboratory’s previous work has revealed that bilateral high frequency stimulation (≥ 130 Hz) resulted
in an increase in inhibitory error rate on the antisaccade task, a cognitively demanding eye movement task. My
previous work has found that the adjustment of stimulation parameters can modify performance on the
antisaccade task. Increasing stimulation amplitude was found to increase inhibitory error rate. Stimulation at
lower frequencies has shown an improvement in axial symptoms of PD and even performance on a cognitive
control task compared to high frequency stimulation. However, it is unknown if stimulation frequency modifies
inhibitory control performance on the antisaccade task. The neurophysiological mechanisms of how STN DBS
results in inhibitory control dysfunction and worsens performance on the antisaccade task are also unknown.
 This study involves participants with PD and STN DBS completing the antisaccade task while we collect EEG
and eye movement data. Participants will be tested on 4 different stimulation frequency conditions. To our
knowledge, this data will be the first of its kind to evaluate the cortical mechanisms associated with inhibitory
control at different STN DBS frequencies. The specific aims of this research proposal will address gaps in the
existing knowledge about the mechanisms of inhibitory control impairment with STN DBS. In addition, the
proposed work will provide new insight into the effect of stimulation frequency on inhibitory control and cortical
oscillatory activity. Aim 1 will investigate the effect of STN DBS and stimulation frequency on inhibitory control
performance, measured by inhibitory error rate, on the antisaccade task. Aim 2 will examine the effect of STN
DBS and stimulation frequency on event-related cortical oscillations during the antisaccade task. Aim 3 will
address the relationship between the changes in inhibitory control performance and event-related cortical
oscillations during each stimulation condition. Together, these aims progress our knowledge of how STN DBS
disrupts cognitive processes like inhibitory control and the relationship between stimulation frequency and the
neurophysiological mechanisms behind this disruption. Insight into these neurophysiological mechanisms will
improve the efficacy of STN DBS as novel stimulation paradigms and technologies for implementing STN DBS
are being developed.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10272424
- **Project number:** 5F31NS120695-02
- **Recipient organization:** NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY
- **Principal Investigator:** Miranda Munoz
- **Activity code:** F31 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2022
- **Award amount:** $42,525
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2021-03-01 → 2023-02-28

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10272424

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10272424, EEG Correlates of Inhibitory Control During STN Deep Brain Stimulation (5F31NS120695-02). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10272424. Licensed CC0.

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