Nucleus Accumbens Deep Brain Stimulation

Phase I findings showed reductions in SIB and related behaviours after nucleus accumbens DBS. Nucleus accumbens DBS is described as the most common adult DBS target for obsessive-compulsive disorder. Preclinical models suggest nucleus accumbens pathway activation can reduce repetitive and reward-seeking behaviours. The nucleus accumbens participates in reward signaling, response inhibition, and dopaminergic reinforcement integration. The prior phase I study found bilateral nucleus accumbens DBS was tolerated without serious adverse events in six children and adolescents. The nucleus accumbens is considered a plausible neuromodulation target for severe automatically maintained SIB.