Seminar by Prof. Peter Tass

INM-7, FZ Jülich (Germany)

Unlearning pathological neuronal synchrony by coordinated reset neuromodulation

Several brain diseases are characterized by abnormal neuronal synchronization. To specifically counteract neuronal synchronization we have developed Coordinated Reset (CR) stimulation, a spatial-temporally patterned desynchronizing stimulation technique. According to computational studies CR stimulation induces a reduction of the rate of coincidences and, mediated by synaptic plasticity, an unlearning of abnormal synaptic connectivity. A sustained desynchronization is achieved by shifting the neuronal system from a pathological to a physiological attractor. Computationally it was shown that CR effectively works no matter whether it is delivered directly to the neurons’ somata or indirectly via excitatory or inhibitory synapses. Accordingly, CR stimulation can be realized by means of different invasive as well as non-invasive stimulation modalities. In accordance with theoretical predictions, electrical deep brain CR stimulation has pronounced therapeutic after-effects in Parkinsonian monkeys as well as cumulative and lasting therapeutic and desynchronizing after-effects in Parkinsonian patients. In tinnitus patients acoustic CR stimulation leads to a significant clinical improvement as well as a decrease of pathological neuronal synchrony in a tinnitus-related network of auditory and non-auditory brain areas along with a normalization of tinnitus characteristic abnormal interactions between different brain areas. In summary, the theory-based CR approach appears to be a promising novel therapeutic option for different brain dieseases.