Microelectrode Recording in DBS Surgery: An Educational Resource

Microelectrode recording (MER) is a technique used during deep brain stimulation (DBS) surgery to guide electrode placement. After a stereotactic trajectory has been planned based on pre- and intraoperative imaging, a microelectrode capable of recording extracellular action potentials is inserted along the planned DBS electrode trajectory. By recognizing the characteristic features of the target structures, the intraoperative neurophysiologist and neurosurgeon work together to confirm that the trajectory is appropriate.