DBScope: a versatile computational toolbox for the visualization and analysis of sensing data from Deep Brain Stimulation

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is a therapy applied in numerous neurologic diseases, yielding major improvements in quality of life. Current implantable devices can record brain activity (in the form of local field potentials) at the site of stimulation, providing a window into the neuropathological phenomena and the potential to improve clinical care. Data-driven therapies often rely on tools to process, visualize, and analyze the data. However, existing tools in DBS are yet to fully exploit the devices’ sensing capabilities. We aimed to develop a user-friendly open-source toolbox for the visualization and analysis of sensing data from DBS. Special attention was given to enrich this toolbox with features which would foster its usefulness in both clinical and research environments. We developed a standalone MATLAB-based toolbox, called DBScope, capable of parsing the data generated by current sensing devices and producing rich visualizations with clinical and research relevance. The toolbox can be operated in two ways: through a user interface, bypassing programming experience requirements; and, programmatically, acting as a library of functions, which can be further adapted to user needs. We provide a detailed description of the toolbox features and exemplify its application in two case studies. DBScope is an open-source toolbox that provides visualization and analytical tools for clinical and research use, paving the way towards the improvement of data-driven DBS therapies. Additional functionalities are being considered for future updates.