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Expanding applications of deep brain stimulation: a potential therapeutic role in obesity and addiction management
Journal article   Peer reviewed

Expanding applications of deep brain stimulation: a potential therapeutic role in obesity and addiction management

Casey H Halpern, Napoleon Torres, Howard I Hurtig, John A Wolf, James Stephen, Michael Y Oh, Noel N Williams, Marc A Dichter, Jurg L Jaggi, Arthur L Caplan, …
Acta neurochirurgica, v 153(12), pp 2293-2306
01 Dec 2011
PMID: 21976235

Abstract

Animals Deep Brain Stimulation - methods Deep Brain Stimulation - trends Disease Models, Animal Humans Hypothalamus - anatomy & histology Hypothalamus - physiopathology Hypothalamus - surgery Nucleus Accumbens - anatomy & histology Nucleus Accumbens - physiopathology Nucleus Accumbens - surgery Obesity - physiopathology Obesity - therapy Substance-Related Disorders - physiopathology Substance-Related Disorders - therapy Treatment Outcome
The indications for deep brain stimulation (DBS) are expanding, and the feasibility and efficacy of this surgical procedure in various neurologic and neuropsychiatric disorders continue to be tested. This review attempts to provide background and rationale for applying this therapeutic option to obesity and addiction. We review neural targets currently under clinical investigation for DBS—the hypothalamus and nucleus accumbens—in conditions such as cluster headache and obsessive-compulsive disorder. These brain regions have also been strongly implicated in obesity and addiction. These disorders are frequently refractory, with very high rates of weight regain or relapse, respectively, despite the best available treatments. We performed a structured literature review of the animal studies of DBS, which revealed attenuation of food intake, increased metabolism, or decreased drug seeking. We also review the available radiologic evidence in humans, implicating the hypothalamus and nucleus in obesity and addiction. The available evidence of the promise of DBS in these conditions combined with significant medical need, support pursuing pilot studies and clinical trials of DBS in order to decrease the risk of dietary and drug relapse. Well-designed pilot studies and clinical trials enrolling carefully selected patients with obesity or addiction should be initiated.

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Collaboration types
Domestic collaboration
International collaboration
Web of Science research areas
Clinical Neurology
Surgery
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