Systems and methods for enhancing or optimizing neural stimulation therapy for treating symptoms of parkinsons disease and or other movement disorders

A method of treating Parkinson's disease (PD) in a patent, the method comprising:

• for a first time period, applying a first electrical deep brain stimulation regimen to the patient for neuroplastic priming to cause a change in neuronal circuitry from a disease state, wherein the first time period extends for at least multiple days;
• and
• after the first time period, applying a second electrical deep brain stimulation regimen to the patient wherein (i) the second electrical deep brain stimulation regimen employs a reduced amount of time of application of electrical stimulation to the patient per day relative to the first electrical deep brain stimulation regimen, and (ii) the second electrical deep brain stimulation regimen comprises:
• (a) generating electrical stimulation pulses from a pulse generator, the electrical stimulation pulses comprising a plurality of groups of pulses occurring according to a burst frequency, wherein (i) multiple pulses are generated within each respective group according to a pulse repetition frequency, and (ii) adjacent groups within the plurality of groups are spaced apart from each other in time with a substantially quiescent period, wherein each group in the plurality of groups lasts less than three (3) seconds and each quiescent period lasts less than one (1) minute;
• and
• (b) applying the plurality of groups of pulses to a target neuronal population of the patient using one or more electrodes of one or more electrical leads implanted within a deep brain location of the patient, wherein (i) the one or more electrodes are within the globus pallidus internalis (GPi) or within the subthamalic nucleus (STN), and (ii) the applying causes the patient to maintain or experience a change in neuronal circuitry from a disease state that results in reduced PD-related tremor or PD-related bradykinesia in the patient while the electrical stimulation pulses are not applied for a period of time of at least thirty (30) minutes after application of the plurality of groups of pulses.