Subthalamic nucleus and its connections: Anatomic substrate for the network effects of deep brain
Victor W.Mark, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 619 19th Street South, SRC 190, Birmingham AL 35249-7330vwmark@uab.edu
Submitted July 14, 2008
Benarroch's review on the anatomical connections of the subthalamic nucleus (STN) and their clinical correspondences does not mention the interhemispheric relays between the STN with the contralateral STN or other basal ganglia. [1]
We reported bilateral ballism following unilateral STN infarction and interpreted our findings with respect to the bilateral interconnections of the STN. [2] We noted the tendency among contemporary reviews to omit discussing interhemispheric relays of the STN.
Our study provided several references for these interhemispheric connections and their basic neuroscience and clinical relevance, including deep-brain stimulation. I believe a clinico-anatomical discussion of the STN is incomplete without referring to its interhemispheric connections.
References
1. Benarroch EE. Subthalamic nucleus and its connections: Anatomic substrate for the network effects of deep brain stimulation [review]. Neurology 2008;70:1991-1995.
2. Mark VW, Oberheu AM, Henderson C, Woods AJ. Ballism following stroke responds to simple therapeutic interventions. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 2005;86:1226-1233.
Disclosures: The author has no disclosures
Benarroch's review on the anatomical connections of the subthalamic nucleus (STN) and their clinical correspondences does not mention the interhemispheric relays between the STN with the contralateral STN or other basal ganglia. [1]
We reported bilateral ballism following unilateral STN infarction and interpreted our findings with respect to the bilateral interconnections of the STN. [2] We noted the tendency among contemporary reviews to omit discussing interhemispheric relays of the STN.
Our study provided several references for these interhemispheric connections and their basic neuroscience and clinical relevance, including deep-brain stimulation. I believe a clinico-anatomical discussion of the STN is incomplete without referring to its interhemispheric connections.
References
1. Benarroch EE. Subthalamic nucleus and its connections: Anatomic substrate for the network effects of deep brain stimulation [review]. Neurology 2008;70:1991-1995.
2. Mark VW, Oberheu AM, Henderson C, Woods AJ. Ballism following stroke responds to simple therapeutic interventions. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 2005;86:1226-1233. Disclosures: The author has no disclosures