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Subthalamic Nucleus

All articles tagged with #subthalamic nucleus

"Identification of Brain Area Linked to Attention Control"

Originally Published 1 year ago — by Neuroscience News

A study conducted at the University of Iowa has found that deep brain stimulation (DBS) in the subthalamic nucleus, used to treat Parkinson's disease, may impact patients' ability to shift attention between tasks. While DBS effectively controls motor symptoms, it may impede the brain's ability to redirect thoughts and attention, potentially explaining cognitive and behavioral side effects experienced by some patients. The research suggests that the subthalamic nucleus plays a crucial role in both motor and non-motor systems, including thought and attention management.

health neuroscience attention-control cognitive-function deep-brain-stimulation neuroscience parkinsons-disease subthalamic-nucleus

Unveiling the Brain's Hidden Discomfort Circuit

Originally Published 2 years ago — by Neuroscience News

Scientists have discovered a brain circuit in the subthalamic nucleus that causes discomfort and aversion when activated, shedding light on the neural roots of aversion and its potential role in depression. The study used optogenetics in mice to pinpoint the neural circuits involved, which could lead to more precise treatments for neurological disorders without adverse effects. This finding may also explain why some Parkinson's patients undergoing deep brain stimulation therapy experience depression as a side effect. The research offers hope for improved clinical outcomes for patients with Parkinson's disease and similar conditions.

health neuroscience aversion brain-circuit deep-brain-stimulation-dbs depression neuroscience subthalamic-nucleus