What is the effect of benzodiazepines on deep brain activity? A study in pediatric patients with dystonia

Introduction Benzodiazepines (BDZs) are commonly used to treat the symptoms of movement disorders; however, deep brain stimulation (DBS) has become a popular treatment for these disorders. Previous studies have investigated effects BDZ on cortical activity, no data currently available their regions, nor regions’ responses DBS. How affects thalamus and basal ganglia in dystonia patients remains unknown. Methods DBS recordings were performed ventral oralis anterior/posterior (VoaVop), intermediate (VIM) anterior (VA) thalamic subnuclei, as well globus pallidus interna (GPi) subthalamic nucleus (STN). Evoked potentials (EP) frequency domain analysis determine effect neural activities compared control condition (off-BDZ). Three male pediatric with treated undergoing depth electrode evaluation clinical targeting recruited study. Stimulation was administered at 25 55 Hz frequencies simultaneously gathered through pairs externalized stereoelectroencephalography (sEEG) electrodes. EP amplitude spectrum activity baseline following administration BDZ. Results Frequency showed consistent reductions during all studied regions patients. potential increased (STN) decreased STN treatment. Interpretation BDZs reduce multiple alter efficacy transmission between regions. While mechanism is unknown our results confirm known widespread this class medications identify specific areas within motor system that directly affected.