Method for deep brain stimulation targeting based on brain connectivity

Abstract

Due to the lack of internal anatomic detail with traditional magnetic resonance imaging, preoperative stereotactic planning for the treatment of tremor usually relies on indirect targeting based on atlas-derived coordinates. To overcome such disadvantages, a method is provided that allows for deep brain stimulation targeting based on brain connectivity. For example, probabilistic tractography-based thalamic segmentation for deep brain stimulator (DBS) targeting is suitable for the treatment of tremor.

1 . A method for deep brain stimulation targeting based on brain connectivity, the method comprising:
 segmenting the thalamus based on differential patterns of connectivity with predefined cortical targets, wherein the predefined cortical targets are delineated into cortical target masks;   defining the probability of each thalamic voxel connecting the cortical target masks; and   assigning each thalamic voxel to one of a plurality of target group based on a respective one of the cortical target masks with the thalamic voxel has the highest probability of connection.   
     
     
         2 . A method according to  claim 1 , wherein segmenting includes manually masking the thalamus. 
     
     
         3 . A method according to  claim 1 , wherein segmenting includes delineating cortical target masks corresponding to the predefined cortical targets. 
     
     
         4 . A method according to  claim 1 , wherein defining includes defining thalamic connectivity with primary motor cortices, premotor cortices and prefrontal cortices.