The Neuromodulation in Movement Disorders Group at Hospital de Sant Pau has received the Best Oral Presentation Award at the 2025 Congress of the Spanish Society of Neurosurgery (SENEC), recently held in Zaragoza. The award recognizes a pioneering study focused on deep brain stimulation (DBS) in Parkinson’s disease, one of the most advanced therapies for managing this neurodegenerative condition.
The winning study developed a functional three-dimensional map of the subthalamic nucleus (STN)—a key brain structure involved in movement control—based on the analysis of local field potentials (LFPs) recorded during surgery in patients with advanced Parkinson’s. These LFPs reflect the brain’s electrical activity and enable a more precise understanding of how its internal networks function in real time.
One of the study’s most relevant findings is that brain oscillations—especially those in the beta band, which are associated with the rigidity and slowness of movement characteristic of Parkinson’s—are not always confined within the classical anatomical boundaries of the STN. This suggests that traditional targeting based solely on anatomical criteria may not be sufficient to achieve optimal therapeutic outcomes.
Thanks to advanced neuroimaging tools, spectral analysis, and computational modeling, the team has shown that the closer the electrode is placed to areas of high beta activity, the better the motor outcomes after surgery. This approach strengthens the case for “functional targeting,” a surgical strategy that considers both the anatomy and the brain physiology of each patient.
“Every brain is different, and in a complex disease like Parkinson’s, knowing the precise location of pathological activity allows us to personalize the therapy more effectively,” explains Dr. Juan Aibar, one of the researchers behind the study, together with Dr. Ignacio Aracil, Dr. Rodrigo Rodríguez, Dr. Berta Pascual, Dr. Alex Gironell, and Antonia Campolongo. “Our goal is to move toward precision neuromodulation, based on brain biomarkers that can guide us before, during, and after the procedure.”
Deep brain stimulation is a surgical technique that has transformed the treatment of advanced Parkinson’s disease. It involves implanting electrodes in specific brain regions to modulate their activity through electrical impulses. When applied correctly, DBS can significantly improve motor symptoms and quality of life, while reducing the need for medication.
This new study from Sant Pau not only enhances the scientific understanding of brain function in Parkinson’s disease but also provides concrete tools to improve surgical planning and maximize the benefits of deep brain stimulation.
Sant Pau’s Neuromodulation in Movement Disorders Group has a long-standing track record in translational DBS research, combining neurosurgery, neurology, biomedical engineering, and data analysis. This award provides renewed momentum for the team’s commitment to translating scientific knowledge into tangible benefits for people affected by neurological disorders.
