Effects of Dexmedetomidine on Activity in the Subthalamic Nucleus

Effects of Dexmedetomidine on Neuronal Activity in the Subthalamic Nucleus During Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) Electrode Implantation Surgery

The purpose of this research study is to find out whether dexmedetomidine changes brain cell activity in the subthalamic nucleus (STN).

In order to find whether dexmedetomidine is optimal for sedation during Deep brain stimulation surgery, we will measure the electrical activity in the STN during Deep brain stimulation surgery, and measure how this activity is changed during administration of Dexmedetomidine. We hypothesize that dexmedetomidine does not change the firing rate and pattern in the STN.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patients scheduled to undergo bilateral STN electrode implantation surgery with Micro-electrode recording for the treatment of Parkinson's disease.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Hypersensitivity to dexmedetomidine
• Bradycardia: Sinus rhythm slower than 50 bpm
• Known or suspected obstructive sleep apnea
• Suspected difficult intubation
• Pregnancy
• Under 18 years of age or over 85 years of age
• Cognitive disability impairing understanding the experiment or signing the informed consent form