Parcellation of the Subthalamic Nucleus in Parkinson’s Disease: A Retrospective Analysis of Atlas- and Diffusion-Based Methods

2020 ◽  
Vol 98 (6) ◽  
pp. 416-423
Author(s):  
Amir Zolal ◽  
Witold H. Polanski ◽  
Lisa Klingelhoefer ◽  
Hagen H. Kitzler ◽  
Jennifer Linn ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Parkinson’S Disease ◽  
Parkinson's Disease ◽  
Retrospective Analysis ◽  
Subthalamic Nucleus ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Sweet Spot ◽  
Clustering Methods ◽  
Implanted Electrodes ◽  
Diffusion Tractography ◽  
And Diffusion

<b><i>Background:</i></b> Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is an established method of treatment for Parkinson’s disease (PD). A stimulation sweet spot at the interface between the motor and associative clusters of the subthalamic nucleus (STN) has recently been postulated. The aim of this study was to analyze the available clustering methods for the STN and their correlation to outcome. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> This is a retrospective analysis of a group of 20 patients implanted with a DBS device for PD. Atlas-based and diffusion tractography-based parcellation of the STN was performed. The distances of the electrode to the obtained clusters were compared to each other and to outcome parameters, which included levodopa equivalent dose (LED) reduction, Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS)-III scores, and reduction in scores for items 32 and 36 of the UPDRS-IV. <b><i>Results:</i></b> The implanted electrodes were located nearest to the motor clusters of the STN. The following significant associations with postoperative LED reduction were found: (1) distance of the electrode to the motor cluster in the Accolla and DISTAL atlases (<i>p</i> &#x3c; 0.01) and (2) distance of the electrode to the supplementary motor area cluster (<i>p</i> = 0.02). There was no association with either the UPDRS-III or the UPDRS-IV score. <b><i>Conclusions:</i></b> The results of this study suggest the possibility that atlas-based clustering, as well as diffusion tractography-based parcellation, can be useful in estimating the stimulation target (“sweet spot”) for STN-DBS in PD patients. Atlas-based as well as diffusion-based clustering might become a useful tool in DBS trajectory planning.

scholarly journals Intestinal Levodopa/Carbidopa Infusion as a Therapeutic Option for Unresponsive Freezing of Gait after Deep Brain Stimulation in Parkinson’s Disease

2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-5
Author(s):  
Belén González-Herrero ◽  
Serge Jauma-Classen ◽  
Roser Gómez-Llopico ◽  
Gerard Plans ◽  
Matilde Calopa
Keyword(s):  
Parkinson’S Disease ◽  
Parkinson's Disease ◽  
Deep Brain Stimulation ◽  
Subthalamic Nucleus ◽  
Brain Stimulation ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Therapeutic Option ◽  
Freezing Of Gait ◽  
Disease Rating ◽  
Deep Brain

Background. Treatment of freezing of gait (FOG) is always challenging because of its unpredictable nature and multifactorial physiopathology. Intestinal levodopa infusion has been proposed in recent years as a valuable option for its improvement. FOG in Parkinson’s disease (PD) can appear after deep brain stimulation in patients who never had gait symptoms. Objective. To study the effects of intestinal levodopa/carbidopa infusion in unresponsive-FOG that appears in PD patients treated with subthalamic nucleus deep brain stimulation. Methods. We retrospectively collected and analyzed demographic, clinical, and therapeutic data from five PD patients treated with subthalamic nucleus stimulation who developed unresponsive-FOG and received intestinal levodopa/carbidopa infusion as an alternative therapy. FOG was measured based on scores in item 14 of the Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale before and after intestinal levodopa infusion. Results. Administration of intestinal levodopa caused improvement of FOG in the “ON” state in four patients (80%) by 2 or more points in item 14 of the Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale. The improvement was maintained for at least 12 months. Conclusions. Intestinal levodopa infusion may be a valuable therapeutic option for unresponsive-FOG developed after subthalamic nucleus deep brain stimulation.

Apathy in patients with Parkinson’s disease following deep brain stimulation of the subthalamic nucleus

CNS Spectrums ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 21 (3) ◽  
pp. 258-264 ◽  
Author(s):  
Isabel Hindle Fisher ◽  
Hardev S. Pall ◽  
Rosalind D. Mitchell ◽  
Jamilla Kausar ◽  
Andrea E. Cavanna
Keyword(s):  
Parkinson’S Disease ◽  
Parkinson's Disease ◽  
Deep Brain Stimulation ◽  
Subthalamic Nucleus ◽  
Brain Stimulation ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Stn Dbs ◽  
Deep Brain ◽  
Stimulation Of

ObjectiveApathy has been reported as a possible adverse effect of deep brain stimulation of the subthalamic nucleus (STN-DBS). We investigated the prevalence and severity of apathy in 22 patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD) who underwent STN-DBS, as well as the effects of apathy on quality of life (QOL).MethodsAll patients were assessed with the Lille Apathy Rating Scale (LARS), the Apathy Scale (AS), and the Parkinson’s Disease Questionnaire and were compared to a control group of 38 patients on pharmacotherapy alone.ResultsThere were no significant differences in the prevalence or severity of apathy between patients who had undergone STN-DBS and those on pharmacotherapy alone. Significant correlations were observed between poorer QOL and degree of apathy, as measured by the LARS (p<0.001) and the AS (p=0.021). PD-related disability also correlated with both apathy ratings (p<0.001 and p=0.017, respectively).ConclusionOur findings suggest that STN-DBS is not necessarily associated with apathy in the PD population; however, more severe apathy appears to be associated with a higher level of disability due to PD and worse QOL, but no other clinico-demographic characteristics.

scholarly journals Subthalamic nucleus and globus pallidus internus stimulation for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease: A systematic review

2017 ◽  
Vol 45 (5) ◽  
pp. 1602-1612 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hao Xu ◽  
Feng Zheng ◽  
Boris Krischek ◽  
Wanhai Ding ◽  
Chi Xiong ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Parkinson’S Disease ◽  
Parkinson's Disease ◽  
Globus Pallidus ◽  
Subthalamic Nucleus ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Mean Difference ◽  
Globus Pallidus Internus ◽  
Motor Score ◽  
Updrs Motor Score

Objective Deep brain stimulation (DBS) for treatment of advanced Parkinson’s disease (PD) has two anatomical targets: the subthalamic nucleus (STN) and the globus pallidus internus (GPI). The clinical effectiveness of these two stimulation targets was compared in the present study. Methods A systematic review and meta-analysis was performed to evaluated the postoperative changes in the United Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) on- and off-phase, on-stimulation motor scores; activities of daily living score (ADLS); and levodopa equivalent dose (LED) after STN and GPI stimulation. Randomized and nonrandomized controlled trials of PD treated by STN and GPI stimulation were considered for inclusion. Results Eight published reports of eligible studies involving 599 patients met the inclusion criteria. No significant differences were observed between the STN and GPI groups in the on-medication, on-stimulation UPDRS motor score [mean difference, 2.15; 95% confidence interval (CI), −0.96–5.27] or ADLS (mean difference, 3.40; 95% CI, 0.95–7.76). Significant differences in favor of STN stimulation were noted in the off-medication, on-stimulation UPDRS motor score (mean difference, 1.67; 95% CI, 0.98–2.37) and LED (mean difference, 130.24; 95% CI, 28.82–231.65). Conclusion The STN may be the preferred target for DBS in consideration of medication reduction, economic efficiency, and motor function improvement in the off phase. However, treatment decisions should be made according to the individual patient’s symptoms and expectations.

scholarly journals Motoric impairment versus iron deposition gradient in the subthalamic nucleus in Parkinson’s disease

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-7
Author(s):  
Weiyuan Huang ◽  
Richard Ogbuji ◽  
Liangdong Zhou ◽  
Lingfei Guo ◽  
Yi Wang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Parkinson’S Disease ◽  
Parkinson's Disease ◽  
Subthalamic Nucleus ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Statistical Tests ◽  
Motor Impairment ◽  
Iron Deposition ◽  
Severe Motor ◽  
Severe Motor Impairment ◽  
The Right

OBJECTIVEThe objective of this study was to investigate the correlation between the quantitative susceptibility mapping (QSM) signal gradient of the subthalamic nucleus (STN) and motor impairment in patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD).METHODSAll PD patients who had undergone QSM MRI for presurgical deep brain stimulation (DBS) planning were eligible for inclusion in this study. The entire STN and its three functional subdivisions, as well as the adjacent white matter (WM), were segmented and measured. The QSM value difference between the entire STN and adjacent WM (STN-WM), between the limbic and associative regions of the STN (L-A), and between the associative and motor regions of the STN (A-M) were obtained as measures of gradient and were input into an unsupervised k-means clustering algorithm to automatically categorize the overall boundary distinctness between the STN and adjacent WM and between STN subdivisions (gradient blur [GB] and gradient sharp [GS] groups). Statistical tests were performed to compare clinical and image measurements for discrimination between GB and GS groups.RESULTSOf the 39 study patients, 19 were categorized into the GB group and 20 into the GS group, based on quantitative cluster analysis. The GB group had a significantly higher presurgical off-medication Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale Part III score (51.289 ± 20.741) than the GS group (38.5 ± 16.028; p = 0.037). The GB group had significantly higher QSM values for the STN and its three subdivisions and adjacent WM than those for the GS group (p < 0.01). The GB group also demonstrated a significantly higher STN-WM gradient in the right STN (p = 0.01). The GB group demonstrated a significantly lower L-A gradient in both the left and the right STN (p < 0.02).CONCLUSIONSAdvancing PD with more severe motor impairment leads to more iron deposition in the STN and adjacent WM, as shown in the QSM signal. Loss of the STN inner QSM signal gradient should be considered as an image marker for more severe motor impairment in PD patients.

Single Electrode and Multiple Electrode Guided Electrical Stimulation of the Subthalamic Nucleus in Advanced Parkinson's Disease

2007 ◽  
Vol 61 (suppl_5) ◽  
pp. ONS346-ONS357 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yasin Temel ◽  
Poldi Wilbrink ◽  
Annelien Duits ◽  
Peter Boon ◽  
Selma Tromp ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Parkinson’S Disease ◽  
Parkinson's Disease ◽  
Subthalamic Nucleus ◽  
Advanced Parkinson’S Disease ◽  
Implanted Electrodes ◽  
Risk Of Bleeding ◽  
Electrophysiological Recordings ◽  
Multiple Electrodes ◽  
Neuropsychological Functions ◽  
Stn Dbs

Abstract Objective: It is still debated to what extent intraoperative electrophysiological techniques contribute to the outcome of subthalamic nucleus (STN) deep brain stimulation (DBS). Intraoperative electrophysiological recordings for identification of the STN can be made with one electrode or with multiple, simultaneously implanted electrodes. The latter provide more detailed information about the electrophysiological boundaries of the STN; however, implantation of several electrodes at one time might increase the risk of bleeding. Here we report the results of a study of patients with advanced Parkinson's disease, in which one group of patients underwent bilateral STN DBS with electrophysiological recordings from a single electrode, and the other group received STN DBS with multiple (five or fewer) simultaneously implanted electrodes. Patients and Methods: Fifty-five patients suffering from advanced Parkinson's disease who underwent bilateral STN stimulation were included in this study. Thirty-two patients underwent STN DBS guided by a single semi-microelectrode, and 23 patients underwent STN DBS guided with simultaneously implanted multiple microelectrodes. All patients were examined preoperatively and 3 and 12 months postoperatively with regard to activities of daily living, motor functions, and neuropsychological functions. Results: We found that the simultaneous implantation of multiple electrodes does not increase the risk of bleeding or any other major intracranial complication. The use of multiple electrodes resulted in better motor results when compared with patients who underwent STN DBS guided with a single recording electrode. There were significantly more improvements in patients’ tremor and rigidity, and as a consequence, a better total Unified Parkinson Disease Rating Scale, Part III score was identified during the medication-off phase. Despite better motor effects, patients treated with multiple electrodes showed subtle deterioration in neuropsychological functions, particularly in memory function. Conclusion: STN DBS performed with multiple electrophysiological recording electrodes resulted in better motor outcome but induced specific mild declines in neuropsychological functions.

Safety and Efficacy of Subthalamic Nucleus Deep Brain Stimulation Performed with Limited Intraoperative Mapping for Treatment Of Parkinson's Disease

2007 ◽  
Vol 61 (suppl_3) ◽  
pp. ONS-119-ONS-129 ◽  
Author(s):  
Samer D. Tabbal ◽  
Fredy J. Revilla ◽  
Jonathan W. Mink ◽  
Patricia Schneider-Gibson ◽  
Angela R. Wernle ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Parkinson’S Disease ◽  
Parkinson's Disease ◽  
Deep Brain Stimulation ◽  
Subthalamic Nucleus ◽  
Brain Stimulation ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Safety And Efficacy ◽  
Disease Rating ◽  
Stn Dbs ◽  
Deep Brain

Abstract Objective: The aim of this study is to establish the safety and efficacy of bilateral subthalamic nucleus (STN) deep brain stimulation (DBS) in Parkinson's disease (PD) patients with disabling motor fluctuations performed with an expedient procedure with limited intraoperative mapping. Methods: Bilateral STN DBS systems were implanted in 110 PD patients. Targeting of STN was achieved with T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging guidance and a stereotactic navigation system confirmed by limited electrophysiological mapping. The safety of the procedure was analyzed in all 110 patients. The efficacy of the procedure was assessed in the practically-defined off medication state in the 72 patients who underwent evaluations 3 to 12 months after electrode implantation. Results: Adverse effects were infrequent and transient with no incidence of death, hemiparesis, or seizure. In the 72 patients, STN DBS reduced total Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale motor scores at the time of the follow-up evaluation by 47% from 43.4 ± 16.1 with stimulators off to 22.8 ± 11.6 with stimulators on (P &lt; 0.001). The changes in Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale motor subscores improved as follows: rest tremor, 74% (P &lt; 0.001); rigidity, 58% (P &lt; 0.001); bradykinesia, 37% (P &lt; 0.001); pull test, 35% (P &lt; 0.001); gait, 44% (P &lt; 0.001); axial signs, 42% (P &lt; 0.001); and speech, 13% (P = 0.002). The prescribed total daily levodopa-equivalent dose decreased 45 ± 32%. We averaged 1.3 ± 0.9 electrodes passes per lead implantation. The mean operating time from the mounting of the stereotactic frame to its removal was 5 hours 42 minutes (median, 5 h 25 min; standard deviation, 1 h 12 min). Conclusion: This STN DBS surgical technique for PD is expedient with effective outcomes and low complication rates.

scholarly journals Impact of Combined Subthalamic Nucleus and Substantia Nigra Stimulation on Neuropsychiatric Symptoms in Parkinson’s Disease Patients

2017 ◽  
Vol 2017 ◽  
pp. 1-14 ◽  
Author(s):  
U. Hidding ◽  
A. Gulberti ◽  
A. Horn ◽  
C. Buhmann ◽  
W. Hamel ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Parkinson’S Disease ◽  
Parkinson's Disease ◽  
Substantia Nigra ◽  
Subthalamic Nucleus ◽  
Impulse Control ◽  
Rating Scales ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Neuropsychiatric Symptoms ◽  
Impulse Control Disorder ◽  
High Frequency Stimulation

The goal of the study was to compare the tolerability and the effects of conventional subthalamic nucleus (STN) and combined subthalamic nucleus and substantia nigra (STN+SNr) high-frequency stimulation in regard to neuropsychiatric symptoms in Parkinson’s disease patients. In this single center, randomized, double-blind, cross-over clinical trial, twelve patients with advanced Parkinson’s disease (1 female; age:61.3±7.3years; disease duration:12.3±5.4years; Hoehn and Yahr stage:2.2±0.39) were included. Apathy, fatigue, depression, and impulse control disorder were assessed using a comprehensive set of standardized rating scales and questionnaires such as the Lille Apathy Rating Scale (LARS), Modified Fatigue Impact Scale (MFIS), Becks Depression Inventory (BDI-I), Questionnaire for Impulsive-Compulsive Disorders in Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale (QUIP-RS), and Parkinson’s Disease Questionnaire (PDQ-39). Three patients that were initially assigned to the STN+SNr stimulation mode withdrew from the study within the first week due to discomfort. Statistical comparison of data retrieved from patients who completed the study revealed no significant differences between both stimulation conditions in terms of mean scores of scales measuring apathy, fatigue, depression, impulse control disorder, and quality of life. Individual cases showed an improvement of apathy under combined STN+SNr stimulation. In general, combined STN+SNr stimulation seems to be safe in terms of neuropsychiatric side effects, although careful patient selection and monitoring in the short-term period after changing stimulation settings are recommended.

IMPLANTATION OF ELECTRODES FORDEEP BRAIN STIMULATION OF THE SUBTHALAMIC NUCLEUS IN ADVANCED PARKINSON'S DISEASE WITH THE AID OF INTRAOPERATIVE MICRORECORDING UNDERGENERAL ANESTHESIA

Neurosurgery ◽  
2006 ◽  
Vol 59 (5) ◽  
pp. E1138-E1138 ◽  
Author(s):  
Frank Hertel ◽  
Mark Züchner ◽  
Inge Weimar ◽  
Peter Gemmar ◽  
Bernhard Noll ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Parkinson’S Disease ◽  
Parkinson's Disease ◽  
Subthalamic Nucleus ◽  
Current Literature ◽  
Brain Stimulation ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Pulse Generator ◽  
Advanced Parkinson’S Disease ◽  
Randomized Controlled Studies ◽  
Stn Dbs

Abstract OBJECTIVE Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is widely accepted in the treatment of advanced Parkinson's disease (PD) and other movement disorders. The standard implantation procedure is performed under local anesthesia (LA). Certain groups of patients may not be eligible for surgery under LA because of clinical reasons, such as massive fear, reduced cooperativity, or coughing attacks. Microrecording (MER) has been shown to be helpful in DBS surgery. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of MERfor DBS surgery under general anesthesia (GA) and to compare the data of intraoperative MERas well as the clinical data with that of the current literature of patients undergoing operation under LA. CLINICAL PRESENTATION The data of nine patients with advanced PD (mean Hoehn and Yahr status, 4.2) who were operated with subthalamic nucleus (STN) DBS under GA, owing to certain clinical circumstances ruling out DBS under LA, were retrospectively analyzed. All operations were performed under analgosedation with propofol or remifentanil and intraoperative MER. For MER, remifentanil was ceased completely and propofol was lowered as far as possible. INTERVENTION The STN could be identified intraoperatively in all patients with MER. The typical bursting pattern was identified, whereas a widening of the baseline noise could not be as adequately detected as in patients under LA. The daily off phases of the patients were reduced from 50 to 17%, whereas the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale III score was reduced from 43 (preoperative, medication off) to 19 (stimulation on, medication off) and 12 (stimulation on, medication on). Two patients showed a transient neuropsychological deterioration after surgery, but both also had preexisting episodes of disorientation. One implantable pulse generator infection was noticed. No further significant clinical complications were observed. CONCLUSION STN surgery for advanced PD with MERguidance is possible with good clinical results under GA. Intraoperative MERof the STN region can be performed under GA with a special anesthesiological protocol. In this setting, the typical STN bursting pattern can be identified, whereas the typical widening of the background noise baseline while entering the STN region is obviously absent. This technique may enlarge the group of patients eligible for STN surgery. Although the clinical improvements and parameter settings in this study were within the range of the current literature, further randomized controlled studies are necessary to compare the results of STN DBS under GA and LA, respectively.

scholarly journals Sex-specific effects of subthalamic nucleus stimulation on pain in Parkinson’s disease

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Olga Khazen ◽  
Marisa DiMarzio ◽  
Kelsey Platanitis ◽  
Heather C. Grimaudo ◽  
Maria Hancu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Parkinson’S Disease ◽  
Parkinson's Disease ◽  
Subthalamic Nucleus ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Numeric Rating Scale ◽  
Pain Scale ◽  
Biological Variable ◽  
Subthalamic Nucleus Stimulation ◽  
Pain Outcome ◽  
The Impact

OBJECTIVEDeep brain stimulation (DBS) of the subthalamic nucleus (STN) is known to reduce motor symptoms of Parkinson’s disease (PD). The effects of DBS on various nonmotor symptoms often differ from patient to patient. The factors that determine whether or not a patient will respond to treatment have not been elucidated. Here, the authors evaluated sex differences in pain relief after DBS for PD.METHODSThe authors prospectively evaluated 20 patients preoperatively and postoperatively after bilateral STN DBS with the validated numeric rating scale (NRS), Revised Oswestry Disability Index for low-back pain (RODI), and King’s Parkinson’s Disease Pain Scale (KPDPS) and assessed the impact of sex as a biological variable.RESULTSThe cohort consisted of 6 female and 14 male patients with a mean duration of 11.8 ± 2.0 months since DBS surgery. Females were significantly older (p = 0.02). Covariate analysis, however, showed no effect of age, stimulation settings, or other confounding variables. KPDPS total scores statistically significantly improved only among males (p < 0.001). Males improved more than females in musculoskeletal and chronic subsets of the KPDPS (p = 0.03 and p = 0.01, respectively). RODI scores significantly improved in males but not in females (p = 0.03 and p = 0.30, respectively). Regarding the NRS score, the improvements seen in both sexes in NRS were not significant.CONCLUSIONSAlthough it is well recognized that pain complaints in PD are different between men and women, this study is unique in that it examines the sex-specific DBS effects on this symptom. Considering sex as a biological variable may have important implications for DBS pain outcome studies moving forward.

Bilateral Subthalamic Nucleus Stimulation for Parkinson's Disease: A Systematic Review of the Clinical Literature

Neurosurgery ◽  
2005 ◽  
Vol 56 (6) ◽  
pp. 1313-1324 ◽  
Author(s):  
Clement Hamani ◽  
Erich Richter ◽  
Jason M. Schwalb ◽  
Andres M. Lozano
Keyword(s):  
Parkinson’S Disease ◽  
Parkinson's Disease ◽  
Adverse Effects ◽  
Subthalamic Nucleus ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Pulse Generator ◽  
Neurological Deficits ◽  
Subthalamic Nucleus Stimulation ◽  
Pubmed Database ◽  
Disease Rating

Abstract OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the benefits and adverse effects of bilateral subthalamic nucleus stimulation in the treatment of Parkinson's disease (PD) by systematically reviewing the published literature. METHODS: A search of the PubMed database using the key words subthalamic, nucleus, and stimulation yielded 624 articles published between 1966 and December 2003. Only articles that included original, nonduplicated descriptions of patients with PD treated with bilateral subthalamic nucleus stimulation were selected for further analysis. RESULTS: A total of 38 studies from 34 neurosurgical centers in 13 countries were identified for critical review. The outcomes for 471 patients with PD treated with bilateral subthalamic nucleus stimulation were assessed according to the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale in both on-medication and off-medication conditions. With stimulation, Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale motor scores in the off-medication condition improved by 50% after 6 months, 56% after 12 months, 51% after 2 years, and 49% after 5 years compared with preoperative off-medication scores. At 12 months of subthalamic nucleus stimulation, the mean improvement in tremor was 81%, in rigidity was 63%, in bradykinesia was 52%, in gait was 64%, and in postural instability was 69% when compared with preoperative off-medication subscores. On-medication dyskinesias were reduced by 94%, as assessed 12 months after stimulation using the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale IV complications of therapy score. There was an overall 52% reduction in the l-dopa-equivalent dose intake after 12 months of stimulation. Most adverse effects were mild to moderate. There was a 1 to 2% incidence of severe adverse effects (death or permanent neurological deficits related to intracerebral hemorrhages). Nineteen percent of the patients had adverse effects related to stimulation that could be reversed by changing stimulation parameters. There was a 9% incidence of adverse effects related to the hardware (infections, lead and pulse generator problems). CONCLUSION: Bilateral subthalamic nucleus stimulation is effective in the treatment of PD. Further refinements in patient selection and surgical technique may lessen the incidence of complications associated with this procedure.

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