Methods for the identification and targeting of brain regions and structures and treatments related thereto

摘要

Disclosed herein are methods for identifying and targeting brain regions and brain structures. In one embodiment, a method of identifying a brain structure in a patient comprises imaging a brain region using Diffusion Tensor Imaging MRI to identify a nerve tract, following the nerve tract to a first brain structure, and identifying the first brain structure based on the location and orientation of the nerve tract.

主权项

1. A method of identifying the ventromedial hypothalamic nucleus in a patient, the method comprising:
imaging a brain region using Diffusion Tensor Imaging MRI to identify a nerve tract of a stria terminalis; obtaining additional images of the stria terminalis with Diffusion Tensor Imaging MRI to follow the nerve tract to the ventromedial hypothalamic nucleus; establishing a set of 3D coordinates for the stria terminalis and the ventromedial hypothalamic nucleus; implanting an electrode at the ventromedial hypothalamic nucleus or along the stria terminalis using the 3D coordinates; applying electrical deep brain stimulation via the electrode; monitoring oxygen consumption after implanting the electrode; and altering the location of the electrode based on the monitoring of oxygen consumption.