Electrophysiological Recordings from Deep Brain Stimulation Electrodes for Pain

Over the last 30 years, deep brain stimulation (DBS) has allowed tens of thousands of patients to receive relief of neurological symptoms that were refractory to standard medical treatment. Furthermore, by providing a rare window into the electrophysiological activity of the awake, human brain, DBS has facilitated invaluable advances in scientific understanding. These advances have then, in turn, allowed for further therapies to be developed for an ever growing population of patients that benefit from DBS therapy. This study hopes to add to this growing body of knowledge by implanting leads within, and recording from, the sensory thalamus and periaqueductal gray (PAG) in patients with chronic pain. Specifically, we hope to establish the long-term safety of DBS leads within the periaqueductal gray and sensory thalamus for the treatment of chronic pain. Furthermore, by recording from the electrodes of DBS patients implanted for treatment of their chronic pain, we hope to understand how the pain network responds to sensory stimuli and how DBS changes this response.