Electrifying! Insights into Parkinson’s Disease through Deep Brain Stimulation

The Neuroscience Society Club at UMFST-UMCH Hamburg recently hosted an outstanding Reach Higher Lecture featuring Prof. Dr. Monika Pötter-Nerger from University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE). Her talk, entitled
“Electrifying! Insights into Parkinson’s Disease from Deep Brain Stimulation,” attracted great interest and enthusiasm among students and guests alike.

Prof. Dr. Pötter-Nerger is an attending physician at the Department of Neurology at UKE Hamburg and Head of the Movement Disorders and Deep Brain Stimulation Section. As an internationally recognized neurologist and Parkinson’s disease expert, her research focuses on the pathophysiology of movement disorders, with a particular emphasis on electrophysiology and deep brain stimulation.

During her lecture, Prof. Pötter-Nerger provided compelling insights into how deep brain stimulation (DBS) has transformed the treatment of Parkinson’s disease. She explained how abnormal firing rates and pathological beta oscillations within the basal ganglia contribute to motor symptoms, and how DBS effectively disrupts these dysfunctional neural circuits. A special highlight was the presentation of novel adaptive “closed-loop” DBS systems, which enable smarter, real-time, and more personalized therapeutic approaches.

Combining cutting-edge neuroscience with clinical expertise, the lecture offered a fascinating glimpse into the present and future of Parkinson’s therapy. The event marked another successful milestone for the Neuroscience Society Club and reflected UMFST-UMCH Hamburg’s strong commitment to academic excellence, research-driven teaching, and international collaboration.

We sincerely thank Prof. Dr. Pötter-Nerger and all participants for making this event an inspiring and memorable experience.