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Ziogas A, Habermeyer E, Santtila P, Poeppl TB, Mokros A. Neuroelectric Correlates of Human Sexuality: A Review and Meta-Analysis. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2023; 52:497-596. [PMID: 32016814 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-019-01547-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2018] [Revised: 07/17/2019] [Accepted: 09/04/2019] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Many reviews on sexual arousal in humans focus on different brain imaging methods and behavioral observations. Although neurotransmission in the brain is mainly performed through electrochemical signals, there are no systematic reviews of the electrophysiological correlates of sexual arousal. We performed a systematic search on this subject and reviewed 255 studies including various electrophysiological methods. Our results show how neuroelectric signals have been used to investigate genital somatotopy as well as basic genital physiology during sexual arousal and how cortical electric signals have been recorded during orgasm. Moreover, experiments on the interactions of cognition and sexual arousal in healthy subjects and in individuals with abnormal sexual preferences were analyzed as well as case studies on sexual disturbances associated with diseases of the nervous system. In addition, 25 studies focusing on brain potentials during the interaction of cognition and sexual arousal were eligible for meta-analysis. The results showed significant effect sizes for specific brain potentials during sexual stimulation (P3: Cohen's d = 1.82, N = 300, LPP: Cohen's d = 2.30, N = 510) with high heterogeneity between the combined studies. Taken together, our review shows how neuroelectric methods can consistently differentiate sexual arousal from other emotional states.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anastasios Ziogas
- Department of Forensic Psychiatry, University Hospital of Psychiatry Zurich, Alleestrasse 61A, 8462, Rheinau, Switzerland.
| | - Elmar Habermeyer
- Department of Forensic Psychiatry, University Hospital of Psychiatry Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Pekka Santtila
- Department of Arts & Sciences, New York University-Shanghai, Shanghai, China
| | - Timm B Poeppl
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatic Medicine, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Andreas Mokros
- Department of Forensic Psychiatry, University Hospital of Psychiatry Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Faculty of Psychology, Fern Universität in Hagen (University of Hagen), Hagen, Germany
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Calabrò RS, Cacciola A, Bruschetta D, Milardi D, Quattrini F, Sciarrone F, la Rosa G, Bramanti P, Anastasi G. Neuroanatomy and function of human sexual behavior: A neglected or unknown issue? Brain Behav 2019; 9:e01389. [PMID: 31568703 PMCID: PMC6908863 DOI: 10.1002/brb3.1389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2019] [Accepted: 08/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Sexual desire, arousal, and orgasm are mediated by complex, yet still not fully understood, interactions of the somatic and autonomic nervous systems operating at the central and peripheral levels. Disruption of endocrine, neural, or vascular response, caused by aging, medical illness, neurological diseases, surgery, or drugs, can lead to sexual dysfunctions, thus significantly affecting patients' quality of life. PURPOSE This narrative review aims at characterizing the involvement of the central nervous system in human sexual behavior. METHODS A literature search was conducted using PubMed in its entirety up to June 2018, analyzing the studies dealing with the neurobiological and neurophysiological basis of human sexuality. RESULTS Sexual behavior is regulated by both subcortical structures, such as the hypothalamus, brainstem, and spinal cord, and several cortical brain areas acting as an orchestra to finely adjust this primitive, complex, and versatile behavior. At the central level, dopaminergic and serotonergic systems appear to play a significant role in various factors of sexual response, although adrenergic, cholinergic, and other neuropeptide transmitter systems may contribute as well. CONCLUSIONS Providing healthcare professionals with information concerning sexual behavior may overcome useless and sometimes dangerous barriers and improve patient management, since sexual well-being is considered one of the most important aspects of one's quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Daniele Bruschetta
- Department of Biomedical, Dental Sciences and Morphological and Functional Images, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Demetrio Milardi
- IRCCS Centro Neurolesi "Bonino Pulejo", Messina, Italy.,Department of Biomedical, Dental Sciences and Morphological and Functional Images, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | - Giuseppe Anastasi
- Department of Biomedical, Dental Sciences and Morphological and Functional Images, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
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Moustafa AA, McMullan RD, Rostron B, Hewedi DH, Haladjian HH. The thalamus as a relay station and gatekeeper: relevance to brain disorders. Rev Neurosci 2017; 28:203-218. [DOI: 10.1515/revneuro-2016-0067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2016] [Accepted: 10/21/2016] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
AbstractHere, we provide a review of behavioural, cognitive, and neural studies of the thalamus, including its role in attention, consciousness, sleep, and motor processes. We further discuss neuropsychological and brain disorders associated with thalamus function, including Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, Korsakoff’s syndrome, and sleep disorders. Importantly, we highlight how thalamus-related processes and disorders can be explained by the role of the thalamus as a relay station.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed A. Moustafa
- 1School of Social Sciences and Psychology, Western Sydney University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- 2Marcs Institute for Brain and Behaviour, Western Sydney University, Sydney, New South Wales, NSW 2751, Australia
| | - Ryan D. McMullan
- 3School of Social Sciences and Psychology, Western Sydney University, Sydney, New South Wales, NSW 2751, Australia
| | - Bjorn Rostron
- 3School of Social Sciences and Psychology, Western Sydney University, Sydney, New South Wales, NSW 2751, Australia
| | - Doaa H. Hewedi
- 4Psychogeriatric Research Center, Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Ain Shams University, 11566 Cairo, Egypt
| | - Harry H. Haladjian
- 5Laboratoire Psychologie de la Perception, Université Paris Descartes, CNRS, 75270 Paris Cedex 06, France
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DBS in Tourette syndrome: where are we standing now? J Neural Transm (Vienna) 2016; 123:791-796. [DOI: 10.1007/s00702-016-1569-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2016] [Accepted: 05/01/2016] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Baldermann JC, Schüller T, Huys D, Becker I, Timmermann L, Jessen F, Visser-Vandewalle V, Kuhn J. Deep Brain Stimulation for Tourette-Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Brain Stimul 2015; 9:296-304. [PMID: 26827109 DOI: 10.1016/j.brs.2015.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 129] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2015] [Revised: 10/15/2015] [Accepted: 11/13/2015] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND A significant proportion of patients with Tourette syndrome (TS) continue to experience symptoms across adulthood that in severe cases fail to respond to standard therapies. For these cases, deep brain stimulation (DBS) is emerging as a promising treatment option. OBJECTIVE We conducted a systematic literature review to evaluate the efficacy of DBS for GTS. METHODS Individual data of case reports and series were pooled; the Yale Global Tic Severity Scale (YGTSS) was chosen as primary outcome parameter. RESULTS In total, 57 studies were eligible, including 156 cases. Overall, DBS resulted in a significant improvement of 52.68% (IQR = 40.74, p < 0.001) in the YGTSS. Analysis of controlled studies significantly favored stimulation versus off stimulation with a standardized mean difference of 0.96 (95% CI: 0.36-1.56). Disentangling different target points revealed significant YGTSS reductions after stimulation of the thalamus, the posteroventrolateral part and the anteromedial part of the globus pallidus internus, the anterior limb of the internal capsule and nucleus accumbens with no significant difference between these targets. A significant negative correlation of preoperative tic scores with the outcome of thalamic stimulation was found. CONCLUSIONS Despite small patient numbers, we conclude that DBS for GTS is a valid option for medically intractable patients. Different brain targets resulted in comparable improvement rates, indicating a modulation of a common network. Future studies might focus on a better characterization of the clinical effects of distinct regions, rather than searching for a unique target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Carlos Baldermann
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Cologne, Kerpener Strasse 62, 50937 Cologne, Germany.
| | - Thomas Schüller
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Cologne, Kerpener Strasse 62, 50937 Cologne, Germany
| | - Daniel Huys
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Cologne, Kerpener Strasse 62, 50937 Cologne, Germany
| | - Ingrid Becker
- Institute of Medical Statistics, Informatics and Epidemiology, University of Cologne, Kerpener Strasse 62, 50937 Cologne, Germany
| | - Lars Timmermann
- Department of Neurology, University of Cologne, Kerpener Strasse 62, 50937 Cologne, Germany
| | - Frank Jessen
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Cologne, Kerpener Strasse 62, 50937 Cologne, Germany
| | - Veerle Visser-Vandewalle
- Department of Stereotactic and Functional Neurosurgery, University of Cologne, Kerpener Strasse 62, 50937 Cologne, Germany
| | - Jens Kuhn
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Cologne, Kerpener Strasse 62, 50937 Cologne, Germany
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Abstract
The neuroanatomical correlates of human sexual desire, arousal, and behavior have been characterized in recent years with functional brain imaging techniques such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and positron emission tomography (PET). Here, we briefly review the results of functional neuroimaging studies in humans, whether healthy or suffering from sexual disorders, and the current models of regional and network activation in sexual arousal. Attention is paid, in particular, to findings from both regional and network studies in the past 3 years. We also identify yet unanswered and pressing questions of interest to areas of ongoing investigations for psychiatric, scientific, and forensic disciplines.
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Thompson DM, Koppes AN, Hardy JG, Schmidt CE. Electrical stimuli in the central nervous system microenvironment. Annu Rev Biomed Eng 2015; 16:397-430. [PMID: 25014787 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-bioeng-121813-120655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Electrical stimulation to manipulate the central nervous system (CNS) has been applied as early as the 1750s to produce visual sensations of light. Deep brain stimulation (DBS), cochlear implants, visual prosthetics, and functional electrical stimulation (FES) are being applied in the clinic to treat a wide array of neurological diseases, disorders, and injuries. This review describes the history of electrical stimulation of the CNS microenvironment; recent advances in electrical stimulation of the CNS, including DBS to treat essential tremor, Parkinson's disease, and depression; FES for the treatment of spinal cord injuries; and alternative electrical devices to restore vision and hearing via neuroprosthetics (retinal and cochlear implants). It also discusses the role of electrical cues during development and following injury and, importantly, manipulation of these endogenous cues to support regeneration of neural tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deanna M Thompson
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Center for Biotechnology and Interdisciplinary Studies, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, New York 12180;
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Porta M, Servello D, Zanaboni C, Anasetti F, Menghetti C, Sassi M, Robertson MM. Deep brain stimulation for treatment of refractory Tourette syndrome: long-term follow-up. Acta Neurochir (Wien) 2012; 154:2029-41. [PMID: 22961243 DOI: 10.1007/s00701-012-1497-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2012] [Accepted: 08/23/2012] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Eighteen patients with severe and refractory Tourette Syndrome underwent bilateral thalamic deep brain stimulation. The surgical procedures and stimulation processes of the cohort were reported in 2008; the 2 year follow-up was reported in 2009. The aim of the research is the assessment of long-term outcome (5-6 years) on tics, obsessional behaviours, anxiety, mood, and on the overall general health of the patients and their general satisfaction. METHOD In this study, all 18 of the original patients will be discussed, pre- and post-DBS, according to our protocol using standardized objective schedules, as well as the clinical impressions of both clinicians and patients. As there were no substantial nor statistical differences on measures of cognitive functioning between pre-DBS and 2 year follow-up, we decided not to continue this aspect of the formal assessment, particularly as there were also no clinical indications. RESULTS At 5-6 year follow-up, there was a significant reduction in tic severity (p < 0.001), and significant improvements in obsessive compulsive behaviours (p = 0.003), anxiety (p < 0.001) and depressive (p < 0.001) symptoms. Patients, in general, required less medication for tics, co-morbid conditions and/or co-existent psychopathologies. The long-term outcome/satisfaction were not unanimous between patients and the medical team. CONCLUSIONS At long-term follow-up, DBS was very successful in terms of a significant improvement in tics and also a significant reduction in the potentially disabling symptoms of obsessionality, anxiety and depression. However, compared with our more positive overall results at 2 years, these later results demonstrate long-term difficulties as follows: non-compliance, long-term complications , and the differences in the opinions between the (a) medical, (b) the surgical teams and (c) the post-DBS patients as to their outcome/satisfaction with the procedures. Our experience highlights the need for controlled studies, for long-term follow up, and the need to improve the selection of patients for DBS.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Porta
- Tourette Center- IRCCS Galeazzi Hospital, via R. Galeazzi 4, 20161, Milano, Italy.
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Tajkarimi K, Burnett AL. The Role of Genital Nerve Afferents in the Physiology of the Sexual Response and Pelvic Floor Function. J Sex Med 2011; 8:1299-312. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1743-6109.2011.02211.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Ackermans L, Duits A, van der Linden C, Tijssen M, Schruers K, Temel Y, Kleijer M, Nederveen P, Bruggeman R, Tromp S, van Kranen-Mastenbroek V, Kingma H, Cath D, Visser-Vandewalle V. Double-blind clinical trial of thalamic stimulation in patients with Tourette syndrome. Brain 2011; 134:832-44. [DOI: 10.1093/brain/awq380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 211] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
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Neuner I, Podoll K, Janouschek H, Michel TM, Sheldrick AJ, Schneider F. From psychosurgery to neuromodulation: deep brain stimulation for intractable Tourette syndrome. World J Biol Psychiatry 2010; 10:366-76. [PMID: 19005877 DOI: 10.1080/15622970802513317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Tourette syndrome is a neuropsychiatric disorder characterized by motor and vocal tics. It is often associated with depression, obsessive-compulsive symptoms, self-injurious behaviour and attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). In intractable patients, neuromodulation using deep brain stimulation (DBS) has widely replaced psychosurgery. Three different key structures are defined for DBS, the medial portion of the thalamus, the globus pallidus internus and the anterior limb of the internal capsule/nucleus accumbens. This is a comprehensive overview on the effect of DBS on motor and non-motor symptoms using different case series and two larger studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene Neuner
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany.
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Porta M, Sassi M, Ali F, Cavanna AE, Servello D. Neurosurgical treatment for Gilles de la Tourette syndrome: the Italian perspective. J Psychosom Res 2009; 67:585-90. [PMID: 19913662 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychores.2009.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2009] [Revised: 06/04/2009] [Accepted: 06/10/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Despite the availability of both pharmacological and behavioral therapies for Gilles de la Tourette Syndrome (GTS), a subgroup of patients suffer intractable disease and require treatment through non-conservative means. Since 1955, various neurosurgical procedures have been considered as a potential resort for this severely affected sub-group; this article reviews the neurosurgical treatment for GTS, with in-depth discussion on deep brain stimulation (DBS). Internationally, 39 cases of GTS undergoing DBS treatment have been published. Yet, despite the small numbers of patients assessed in centers involved and the inconsistency of postoperative assessment between centres, DBS has been considered the most promising neurosurgical procedure. Patients resorting to surgical measures often carry the additional burden of a diverse range of behavioral disturbances found to significantly impair health-related quality of life; comorbid psychopathologies must be considered when postoperatively evaluating the benefits of DBS. The authors acknowledge that out of the 39 documented cases of GTS treated with DBS, 18 cases originate from Italy; thus, it seems both relevant and pertinent to recount and present the lived Italian experience of that subgroup of GTS treated by DBS, for the first time. Recommendations from such experience are presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mauro Porta
- Movement Disorders and Tourette Centre, IRCCS Galeazzi, Milan, Italy
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Chaudhuri KR, Schapira AHV. Non-motor symptoms of Parkinson's disease: dopaminergic pathophysiology and treatment. Lancet Neurol 2009; 8:464-74. [PMID: 19375664 DOI: 10.1016/s1474-4422(09)70068-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1096] [Impact Index Per Article: 73.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Several studies, including work from the Parkinson's disease (PD) non-motor group and others, have established that the non-motor symptoms of PD are common, occur across all stages of PD, are under-reported, and are a key determinant of quality of life. Research suggests that the non-motor symptoms of the disease are frequently unrecognised by clinicians and remain untreated. Even when identified, there is a common perception that many of these symptoms are untreatable. The role of dopaminergic drugs in treating the various non-motor problems of PD, although clinically recognised, has received little attention. In this Review, we investigate the dopaminergic basis of the range of non-motor symptoms that occur in PD such as depression, apathy, sleep disorders (including rapid-eye movement sleep behaviour disorder), and erectile dysfunction. We discuss the evidence that these symptoms are treatable, at least in part, with various dopaminergic strategies and, where relevant, we also refer to the use of deep-brain stimulation of appropriate targets in the brain. This Review provides a comprehensive overview of the management of this challenging aspect of PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Ray Chaudhuri
- National Parkinson Foundation Centre of Excellence, King's College Hospital and University Hospital Lewisham, London, UK.
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Abstract
Tourette's Syndrome (TS) is a neuropsychiatric disorder characterized by motor and vocal tics, often associated with behavioral disorders. Symptoms often disappear before or during adulthood. The pathophysiology of TS is still a matter of considerable debate. Current knowledge of cortico-basal ganglia-thalamocortical circuits provide explanations for the beneficial effects of deep brain stimulation (DBS) on tics. When conservative treatment fails in patients with severe TS, DBS may be a therapeutic option. In 1999, thalamic DBS was introduced for intractable TS. Since then, multiple targets have been used in a small number of patients, including the globus pallidus pars interna and the nucleus accumbens. Inclusion and exclusion criteria have been formulated to identify good candidates for DBS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda Ackermans
- grid.41619.3b0000000404801382Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital Maastricht, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Yasin Temel
- grid.41619.3b0000000404801382Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital Maastricht, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Veerle Visser-Vandewalle
- grid.41619.3b0000000404801382Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital Maastricht, Maastricht, The Netherlands
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Abstract
Deep-brain stimulation (DBS) is a clinical intervention that has provided remarkable therapeutic benefits for otherwise treatment-resistant movement and affective disorders. The resulting direct causal manipulation of both local and distributed brain networks is not only clinically helpful but can also help to provide novel fundamental insights into brain function. In particular, DBS can be used in conjunction with methods such as local field potentials and magnetoencephalography to map the underlying mechanisms of normal and abnormal oscillatory synchronization in the brain. The precise mechanisms of action for DBS remain uncertain but here we present an overview of the clinical efficacy of DBS, its neural mechanisms and potential future applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morten L Kringelbach
- University of Oxford, Department of Psychiatry, Warneford Hospital, Oxford OX3 7JX, UK and, University of Aarhus, Centre for Functionally Integrative Neuroscience (CFIN), Aarhus University Hospital, Århus Sygehus Nørrebrogade 44 Building 30, 8000 Århus C, Denmark
| | - Sarah LF Owen
- University of Oxford, Department of Physiology, Anatomy & Genetics, Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3PT, UK
| | - Tipu Z Aziz
- University of Oxford, Department of Physiology, Anatomy & Genetics, Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3PT, UK and, John Radcliffe Hospital, Nuffield Department of Surgery, Oxford, UK
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Kringelbach ML, Jenkinson N, Owen SLF, Aziz TZ. Translational principles of deep brain stimulation. Nat Rev Neurosci 2007; 8:623-35. [PMID: 17637800 DOI: 10.1038/nrn2196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 488] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Deep brain stimulation (DBS) has shown remarkable therapeutic benefits for patients with otherwise treatment-resistant movement and affective disorders. This technique is not only clinically useful, but it can also provide new insights into fundamental brain functions through direct manipulation of both local and distributed brain networks in many different species. In particular, DBS can be used in conjunction with non-invasive neuroimaging methods such as magnetoencephalography to map the fundamental mechanisms of normal and abnormal oscillatory synchronization that underlie human brain function. The precise mechanisms of action for DBS remain uncertain, but here we give an up-to-date overview of the principles of DBS, its neural mechanisms and its potential future applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morten L Kringelbach
- University of Oxford, Department of Psychiatry, Warneford Hospital, Oxford, OX3 7JX, UK.
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Temel Y, Hafizi S, Beuls E, Visser-Vandewalle V. The supraspinal network in the control of erection. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2007; 9:941-54. [PMID: 16185150 DOI: 10.1517/14728222.9.5.941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Penile erection is a complex event controlled by vascular, hormonal and neuronal systems. The neuronal system involved in erection is often divided into spinal and supraspinal networks. It is generally accepted that the spinal system directly controls erection and that the supraspinal network modulates this control mechanism through different ascending and descending pathways. In contrast to the spinal control of erection, relatively little is known about the supraspinal network. In the present review, the authors outline the supraspinal network involved in the control of penile erection. Firstly, the brain regions reported to be involved in erection are described and the brain circuit of erection is outlined. Subsequently, the neuromediators involved in erection are summarised. Finally, these data are discussed in the light of therapeutic possibilities in the management of erectile dysfunction by targeting the supraspinal system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasin Temel
- University Hospital Maastricht, Department of Neurosurgery, PO Box 5800, 6202 AZ Maastricht, The Netherlands.
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Visser-Vandewalle V. DBS in tourette syndrome: rationale, current status and future prospects. ACTA NEUROCHIRURGICA. SUPPLEMENT 2007; 97:215-22. [PMID: 17691307 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-211-33081-4_24] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/25/2023]
Abstract
Tourette syndrome is a neuropsychiatric disorder with onset in early childhood and characterized by tics, often associated with behavioural abnormalities. Symptoms often disappear before or during adulthood. Treatment consists of psychotherapy or pharmacotherapy. A small percentage of patients is treatment refractory. After the introduction of deep brain stimulation (DBS) of the thalamus as a new therapeutical approach in 1999, several other brain nuclei have been targeted in a small number of patients, like the globus pallidus internus, anteromedial and ventroposterolateral part, and the nucleus accumbens. In the published reports, a tic reduction rate of at least 66% is described. The effects of DBS on associated behavioural disorders are more variable. The number of treated patients is small and it is unclear whether the effects of DBS are dependent on the target nucleus. The pathophysiology of Tourette syndrome is not well understood. On the basis of our current knowledge of cortico-basal ganglia-thalamocortical circuits, an explanation for the beneficial effects of DBS on tics is proposed. It is concluded that a meticulous evaluation of the electrode position, and a blinded assessment of the clinical effects on tics and behavioural disorders, is absolutely mandatory in order to identify the best target of DBS for Tourette syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- V Visser-Vandewalle
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital Maastricht, Maastricht, The Netherlands.
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Ackermans L, Temel Y, Cath D, van der Linden C, Bruggeman R, Kleijer M, Nederveen P, Schruers K, Colle H, Tijssen MAJ, Visser-Vandewalle V. Deep brain stimulation in Tourette's syndrome: two targets? Mov Disord 2006; 21:709-13. [PMID: 16463374 DOI: 10.1002/mds.20816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 138] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
In this report, we describe the effects of bilateral thalamic stimulation in one patient and of bilateral pallidal stimulation in another patient. Both patients suffered from intractable Tourette's syndrome (TS). Any conservative treatment had failed or had been stopped because of unbearable side effects in the 2 patients. In both cases, there was no comorbidity except for associated behavioral symptoms (compulsions). Electrodes were implanted at the level of the medial part of the thalamus (centromedian nucleus, the substantia periventricularis, and the nucleus ventro-oralis internus) in one patient and in the posteroventral part of the globus pallidus internus (GPi) in the other patient. In both cases, deep brain stimulation (DBS) resulted in a substantial reduction of tics and compulsions. These data show that bilateral DBS of the thalamus as well as of the GPi can have a good effect on tics and behavioral symptoms in patients suffering from intractable TS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda Ackermans
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital Maastricht, Maastricht, The Netherlands.
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Abstract
In contrast to the spinal control of erection, relatively little is known about the brain control. In the present review, we have outlined the role of brain structures involved in penile erection and provided a synopsis on the brain circuit of erection. Findings from both animal and human studies are discussed. Evidence suggests that the most important structures are the frontal lobe, cingulate gyrus, amygdala, thalamus and hypothalamus. Within the brain circuit of erection, the thalamus serves as a gate-controller in which all relevant information is evaluated and further processed to higher and lower centres.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasin Temel
- Department of Neuro-surgery, European Graduate School of Neuroscience (EURON), University Hospital Maastricht, P. O. Box 5800, 6202 AZ Maastricht, Netherlands.
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Abstract
Penile erection is a complex neurovascular event. The neuronal system involved is often divided into a spinal (generator) and supraspinal (controller) network. Little is known about the supraspinal control. The recent finding of changes in penile erection following deep brain stimulation of the thalamus in two patients has raised the question as to what extent the thalamus is involved in erectile function. The thalamus has generally been regarded as a group of relay nuclei that served as a 'gate' for sexual information from the spinal cord towards higher centres. Recent evidence, however, suggests a more integrated regulatory function. Our review of the literature from 1960 until 2003 revealed 13 reports describing original data (preclinical and clinical). Various thalamic regions, varying from the midline thalamus to the posterior thalamus, have been reported to be activated during erection. The majority of the reports, however, showed that mainly the mediodorsal (MD) nucleus and the centromedian-parafascicular nucleus (Cm-Pf complex) are involved in penile erection. MD is the second largest nuclear aggregation located within the medial part of the thalamus. Anatomically, the MD is closely related to the Cm-Pf complex. The Cm-Pf complex is one of the most important relay stations in which the anterolateral spinothalamic pathway is further processed. This pathway is thought to transmit peripheral sexual sensations. On the whole, the present data on the role of the thalamus in erection are far from complete and future experiments are required to delineate its involvement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y Temel
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital Maastricht, Maastricht, The Netherlands.
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