The pedunculopontine nucleus and movement disorders: anatomy and the role for deep brain stimulation.
The pedunculopontine nucleus (PPN) is a brainstem locomotive center that also processes sensory and behavioral information. Through its connections with basal ganglia structures and the spinal cord, the PPN may play a role in axial motor symptoms in Parkinson's disease (PD). We review the anatomical features of the PPN, its role in motor control, and its potential role as a target for PD surgery, including the results of recently published clinical studies.
Hamani
Clement
C
Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, Toronto Western Hospital Research Institute, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.
Stone
Scellig
S
Laxton
Adrian
A
Lozano
Andres M
AM
D000818:Animals; D046690:Deep Brain Stimulation / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D009069:Movement Disorders / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000628:therapy*; D045042:Pedunculopontine Tegmental Nucleus / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology*