Congratulations to Matthew Hook, Chris Butson, Kelly Foote, and Michael Okun!
Congratulations on the publication of “Evaluating Deep Brain Stimulation Tolerability in Tourette Syndrome: Influence of Electrode Configuration, Target Selection, and Stimulation Mode,” which appears in the November 2025 issue of the UF Journal of Undergraduate Research
Abstract
Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is an emerging treatment for individuals with Tourette Syndrome (TS), a neuropsychiatric disorder characterized by motor and vocal tics. This study investigated the safety and tolerability of unilateral DBS in six individuals with medically refractory TS. Quantitative threshold amplitudes and qualitative side effects were evaluated during controlled DBS modulation in the centromedian nucleus (CM) of the thalamus and the anterior internal segment of the globus pallidum(aGPi). Key findings suggest that patients are more tolerable to aGPi stimulation (2.2 ± 0.0 mA) and stimulation in ring mode electrode configuration (3.3 ± 3.2 mA). A significant statistical interaction (p =0.013) was found between the aGPi and CM, suggesting an electrophysiological or anatomical connection between these two structures. Paresthesia (46.85%) was the frequently occurring adverse effect experienced by all patients regardless of stimulation modulation. Insights gained could refine stimulation parameters, enhance therapeutic efficacy, and reduce side effects, contributing to personalized treatment strategies for TS.