Medscape Editions Stéphanie Lavaud July 10, 2025 Introduction to Adaptive Deep Brain Stimulation The adaptive BrainSense™ deep brain stimulation (DBS) system ha
Medscape Editions
Stéphanie Lavaud
July 10, 2025
Introduction to Adaptive Deep Brain Stimulation
The adaptive BrainSense™ deep brain stimulation (DBS) system has recently received CE Mark approval, marking a groundbreaking advancement in personalized care for Parkinson's disease patients. This innovative brain-computer interface technology, developed by Medtronic, represents a significant step forward in the treatment of this neurodegenerative disorder.
Understanding Parkinson's Disease
Parkinson's disease is characterized by debilitating motor symptoms such as tremors, rigidity, and akinesia, along with speech, sleep, and cognitive disturbances that severely impact the quality of life for patients and their families. Globally, approximately 10 million people are affected by Parkinson's disease, with over 270,000 cases in France alone, and around 25,000 new cases diagnosed each year. Currently, there is no cure for this disease, and available treatments focus on alleviating symptoms.
The Role of Deep Brain Stimulation
For the past 30 years, deep brain stimulation (DBS) has been a valuable treatment option for Parkinson's patients. This technology delivers electrical signals to the brain to help mitigate the symptoms of the disease. Medtronic's BrainSense™ technology enhances this approach by enabling real-time recording of neuronal electrical activity. The BrainSense™ electrode identification feature further refines DBS programming, offering a faster and more personalized treatment adaptation for each patient.
Real-Time Adaptive Therapy
With the BrainSense™ functionality, some Parkinson's patients can now benefit from real-time adaptive therapy. This system automatically adjusts the stimulation intensity based on the patient's brain activity, providing a more tailored treatment approach.
Implementation in France
In France, the first applications of adaptive stimulation for Parkinson's patients have been conducted at the University Hospital of Bordeaux by Professor Dominique Guehl and Dr. Edouard Courtin (clinical neurophysiology service for children and adults), and at the Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Marseille by Professor Alexandre Eusebio (neurology and movement pathology service at La Timone Hospital).
Research and Approval
The CE Mark approval is based on the results of the global ADAPT-PD study, with initial findings published in the journal NPJ Parkinson’s Disease.
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