Effects of Deep Brain Stimulation of the Dentate Nucleus on Cerebellar Ataxia

Cerebellar ataxias are a group of disorders caused by cerebellar affections, for which currently no specific treatment is available. Some limited studies verified the effects of cerebellar transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) on ataxic symptoms, with good results. The hypothesis is that cerebellar TMS could improve ataxic symptoms in some patients and in these patients, chronic cerebellar stimulation through deep brain stimulation could be a therapeutic option. The rationale is to stimulate the dentate nucleus of the cerebellum in order to balance the functional asymmetry observed between both motor cortices after chronic cerebellar lesions.