Dr. Abdelhamid Benazzouz is a distinguished neuroscientist whose pioneering research has significantly advanced understanding and treatment of Parkinson’s disease. His groundbreaking work during his Ph.D. led to the development of deep brain stimulation (DBS) of the subthalamic nucleus as a novel therapeutic approach for Parkinson’s disease, which was later translated into clinical application. His research focuses on elucidating the mechanisms of action of DBS, exploring the role of monoaminergic systems in the pathophysiology of Parkinson’s disease, and investigating pain mechanisms associated with the disorder. He has led numerous national and international research projects funded by organizations such as the Agence Nationale de la Recherche, Fondation pour la Recherche Médicale, and the Michael J. Fox Foundation. With over 120 publications, more than 24,000 citations, and multiple patents, his contributions span both basic and translational neuroscience. He also leads collaborative research efforts across France, the Netherlands, and Hong Kong to develop innovative therapeutic strategies. As Editor-in-Chief and founder of the Elsevier journal Deep Brain Stimulation, he continues to influence the global neuroscience community, driving forward advancements in neurostimulation, monoaminergic signaling, and the treatment of neurological disorders, particularly Parkinson’s disease and related pain syndromes.
Featured Publications:
Krack, P., Batir, A., Van Blercom, N., Chabardes, S., Fraix, V., Ardouin, C., … & Benabid, A. L. (2003). Five-year follow-up of bilateral stimulation of the subthalamic nucleus in advanced Parkinson’s disease. The New England Journal of Medicine, 349(20), 1925–1934.
Limousin, P., Krack, P., Pollak, P., Benazzouz, A. H., Ardouin, C., Hoffmann, D., … & Benabid, A. L. (1998). Electrical stimulation of the subthalamic nucleus in advanced Parkinson’s disease. The New England Journal of Medicine, 339(16), 1105–1111.
Limousin, P., Pollak, P., Benazzouz, A., Hoffmann, D., Le Bas, J. F., Perret, J. E., … & Benabid, A. L. (1995). Effect on parkinsonian signs and symptoms of bilateral subthalamic nucleus stimulation. The Lancet, 345(8942), 91–95.
Benabid, A. L., Pollak, P., Gao, D., Hoffmann, D., Limousin, P., Gay, E., Payen, I., & Benazzouz, A. (1996). Chronic electrical stimulation of the ventralis intermedius nucleus of the thalamus as a treatment of movement disorders. Journal of Neurosurgery, 84(2), 203–214. Benazzouz, A., Gross, C., Féger, J., Boraud, T., & Bioulac, B. (1993). Reversal of rigidity and improvement in motor performance by subthalamic high-frequency stimulation in MPTP-treated monkeys. European Journal of Neuroscience, 5(4), 382–389.
Krack, P., Pollak, P., Limousin, P., Hoffmann, D., Xie, J., Benazzouz, A., … & Benabid, A. L. (1998). Subthalamic nucleus or internal pallidal stimulation in young-onset Parkinson’s disease. Brain: A Journal of Neurology, 121(3), 451–457.
Benabid, A. L., Pollak, P., Gross, C., Hoffmann, D., Benazzouz, A., Gao, D. M., … & Perret, J. (1994). Acute and long-term effects of subthalamic nucleus stimulation in Parkinson’s disease. Stereotactic and Functional Neurosurgery, 62(1–4), 76–84.