Spike-wave discharges during low-current thalamic deep brain stimulation in mice

Abstract

BackgroundDeep brain stimulation of central thalamus (CT-DBS) has potential for modulating states of consciousness, but it can also trigger spike-wave discharges (SWDs). ObjectivesTo report the probability of inducing SWDs during CT-DBS in awake mice. MethodsMice were implanted with electrodes to deliver unilateral and bilateral CT-DBS at different frequencies while recording EEG. We titrated stimulation current by gradually increasing it at each frequency until an SWD appeared. Subsequent stimulations to test arousal modulation were performed at the current one step below the current that caused an SWD during titration. ResultsIn 2.21% of the test stimulations (10 out of 12 mice), CT-DBS caused SWDs at currents lower than the titrated current, at currents as low as 20 A. ConclusionOur study found a small but significant probability of inducing SWDs even after titration and at relatively low currents. EEG should be closely monitored for SWDs when performing CT-DBS in both research and clinical settings.