Specialization
functional neurosurgery
Focus of research
My research focuses on the development and application of deep brain stimulation (DBS), in collaboration with the departments of neurology and psychiatry. I was principal investigator of the clinical trial that demonstrated the efficacy of DBS for tremor and its superiority over lesioning techniques, which led to the endorsement of DBS by the Dutch health authorities and contributed to the acceptance of the application of DBS worldwide. Our team has since worked on various clinical trials studying the effects of DBS in different areas of the brain in patients with Parkinson's disease, essential tremor, dystonia and obsessive compulsive disorder.
Future research will focus on both clinical and technological aspects of DBS: Further improvement of surgical technique, with emphasis on improving image-guided electrode implantation based on individual functional and structural anatomy, and faster and better DBS programming techniques based on both imaging neurophysiology. Other topics: Assessing the long-term effects of DBS in movement disorders, for which we have up to 25 years of individual patient follow-up. Defining new indications and limitations of the application of DBS, taking into account emerging pathophysiological knowledge, clinical, ethical and economical aspects of the treatment. Developing new advanced methods for applying DBS by designing new equipment and stimulation paradigms, in collaboration with medical industry.
Currently I serve as president of the European Society for Stereotactic and Functional Neurosurgery, as continental vice-president and board member of the World Society for Stereotactic and Functional Neurosurgery, and as president of the Netherlands Society for Functional Neurosurgery in Movement Disorders.