MDS 2020 | Artificial intelligence in deep brain stimulation therapy

Jens Volkmann, MD, PhD, University Hospital of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany, describes the challenges of delivering deep brain stimulation (DBS) and how new technological advancements can overcome them. DBS is dependent on the accurate placement of electrodes and refined stimulation settings. This can be highly reliant on expert knowledge. Therefore, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) could help provide assistance to deliver more reliable and fast therapy. Additionally, the symptoms experienced by Parkinson’s patients are not continuous but fluctuating. Therefore, therapy should only be administered during symptom episodes. The use of devices to sense states associated with symptoms could improve therapy and reduce electrode overstimulation. This interview was recorded during an online conference call with The Video Journal of Neurology (VJNeurology).