Introduction Deep brain stimulation (DBS) for dystonia is effective but programming optimisation can take months. Local field potentials (LFPs) recorded by the Medtronic Percept device may provide biomarkers to guide stimulation.
This study will prospectively evaluate whether chronic LFP profiles correlate with clinical outcomes and can inform DBS programming strategies. Methods and analysis LFP-DYT is a single-centre, multi-phase observational study at Newcastle upon Tyne National Health Service (NHS) Foundation Trust.
An internal pilot (Cohort 1) will refine recording workflows, followed by Cohort 2 (traditional programming with LFP recordings) and Cohort 3 (LFP-informed programming). 20 - 25 adults with primary dystonia undergoing globus pallidus internus DBS will be recruited.
The study combines chronic LFP sensing with neurophysiology (electromyography, electroencephalography), motor inhibition testing (stop-signal reaction time), patient-reported outcomes and wearable sensor monitoring (STAT-ON) to provide a comprehensive multi-modal assessment framework. Primary outcome: reproducibility of alpha - theta frequency LFP peaks and concordance with optimal stimulation site.
BMJ Open published a clinical update in Research Highlights on 07 May 2026.
The item focuses on Prospective multi-phase observational study evaluating local field potentials to guide deep brain stimulation programming in dystonia at a UK Tertiary Neurosciences Centre (LFP-DYT): a protocol.
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