The pedunculopontine nucleus and movement disorders: Anatomy and the role for deep brain stimulation

The pedunculopontine nucleus (PPN) is a brainstem locomotive center that also processes sensory and behavioral information. Through its connections with basal ganglia structures and the spinal cord, the PPN may play a role in axial motor symptoms in Parkinson's disease (PD). We review the anatomical features of the PPN, its role in motor control, and its potential role as a target for PD surgery, including the results of recently published clinical studies.