Visual Effects of Deep Brain Stimulation in a Patient with Parkinson’s Disease

2019 ◽  
pp. 158-173

Background: Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder caused by a dopamine deficiency that presents with motor symptoms. Visual disorders can occur concomitantly but are frequently overlooked. Deep brain stimulation (DBS) has been an effective treatment to improve tremors, stiffness and overall mobility, but little is known about its effects on the visual system. Case Report: A 75-year-old Caucasian male with PD presented with longstanding binocular diplopia. On baseline examination, the best-corrected visual acuity was 20/25 in each eye. On observation, he had noticeable tremors with an unsteady gait. Distance alternating cover test showed exophoria with a right hyperphoria. Near alternating cover test revealed a significantly larger exophoria accompanied by a reduced near point of convergence. Additional testing with a 24-2 Humphrey visual field and optical coherence tomography (OCT) of the nerve and macula were unremarkable. The patient underwent DBS implantation five weeks after initial examination, and the device was activated four weeks thereafter. At follow up, the patient still complained of intermittent diplopia. There was no significant change in the manifest refraction or prism correction. On observation, the patient had remarkably improved tremors with a steady gait. All parameters measured were unchanged. The patient was evaluated again seven months after device activation. Although vergence ranges at all distances were improved, the patient was still symptomatic for intermittent diplopia. OCT scans of the optic nerve showed borderline but symmetric thinning in each eye. All other parameters measured were unchanged. Conclusion: The case found no significant changes on ophthalmic examination after DBS implantation and activation in a patient with PD. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, there are no other cases in the literature that investigated the effects of DBS on the visual system pathway in a patient with PD before and after DBS implantation and activation.

2015 ◽  
Vol 2015 ◽  
pp. 1-7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Uyen Pham ◽  
Anne-Kristin Solbakk ◽  
Inger-Marie Skogseid ◽  
Mathias Toft ◽  
Are Hugo Pripp ◽  
...  

Objectives. Deep brain stimulation of the subthalamic nucleus (STN-DBS) is a recognized therapy that improves motor symptoms in advanced Parkinson’s disease (PD). However, little is known about its impact on personality. To address this topic, we have assessed personality traits before and after STN-DBS in PD patients.Methods. Forty patients with advanced PD were assessed with the Temperament and Character Inventory (TCI): the Urgency, Premeditation, Perseverance, Sensation Seeking impulsive behaviour scale (UPPS), and the Neuroticism and Lie subscales of the Eysenck Personality Questionnaire (EPQ-N, EPQ-L) before surgery and after three months of STN-DBS. Collateral information obtained from the UPPS was also reported.Results. Despite improvement in motor function and reduction in dopaminergic dosage patients reported lower score on the TCI Persistence and Self-Transcendence scales, after three months of STN-DBS, compared to baseline (P=0.006;P=0.024). Relatives reported significantly increased scores on the UPPS Lack of Premeditation scale at follow-up (P=0.027).Conclusion. STN-DBS in PD patients is associated with personality changes in the direction of increased impulsivity.


2021 ◽  
Vol 30 (4) ◽  
pp. 623-630
Author(s):  
Sara Goering ◽  
Anna Wexler ◽  
Eran Klein

AbstractImplanted medical devices—for example, cardiac defibrillators, deep brain stimulators, and insulin pumps—offer users the possibility of regaining some control over an increasingly unruly body, the opportunity to become part “cyborg” in service of addressing pressing health needs. We recognize the value and effectiveness of such devices, but call attention to what may be less clear to potential users—that their vulnerabilities may not entirely disappear but instead shift. We explore the kinds of shifting vulnerabilities experienced by people with Parkinson’s disease (PD) who receive therapeutic deep brain stimulators to help control their tremors and other symptoms of PD.


2019 ◽  
Vol 32 (2) ◽  
pp. 97-107
Author(s):  
Jacki Liddle ◽  
Amreetaa Sundraraj ◽  
David Ireland ◽  
Sally Bennett ◽  
Tereza Stillerova ◽  
...  

Background Deep brain stimulation is a surgical treatment for Parkinson’s disease. Its impacts on motor symptoms are widely reported; however, little is known about the broader impact of deep brain stimulation on the community lives of people with Parkinson’s disease. Lifespace is a measure of lived community mobility, providing an indication of community access and participation. Aims This pilot study explored the feasibility of remotely monitoring the qualitative and quantitative community outcomes related to deep brain stimulation. Methods A longitudinal mixed methods study with a convergent design was undertaken exploring the lifespace, quality of life, life satisfaction and lived experiences of people with Parkinson’s disease before and after deep brain stimulation. Data were collected through questionnaires, semi-structured interviews and a smartphone-based application which collected geolocation data. Results Quantitative and qualitative data from eight participants living with Parkinson’s disease were analysed and integrated. At baseline, participants had a median age of 68 years and a median Hoehn and Yahr score of 2. Measuring a range of community-based outcomes indicated different change trajectories for individuals across outcomes. Key content areas were developed from the qualitative data: participation in occupations and travel and home. This study indicates the potential value of including geolocation data-based lifespace collection in metropolitan and regional areas. Conclusions Monitoring lifespace in conjunction with subjective measures provides insights into the complex and individually varied experiences. Further research could explore the impacts of deep brain stimulation on occupations and community participation to gain a deeper understanding of the related needs and support clinical approaches.


2012 ◽  
Vol 27 (14) ◽  
pp. 1763-1768 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alice K. Silbergleit ◽  
Peter LeWitt ◽  
Fred Junn ◽  
Lonni R. Schultz ◽  
Denise Collins ◽  
...  

2021 ◽  
Vol 24 (4) ◽  
pp. 305-314
Author(s):  
Khalid Mahmood ◽  
Omair Afzal Ali ◽  
Adeeb-ul- Hassan ◽  
Imran Ali

Background & Objective:  Parkinson’s disease (PD) is the second most common Neurodegenerative disorder after Alzheimer’s disease. There are several surgical procedures for advanced PD, but amongst all deep brain stimulation has proven to be safest and effective. The objective of this study was to see the outcome of DBS for the treatment of PD in terms of improvement in MDS UPDRS over 5 years. Material and Methods:  44 patients were included in study from Oct 2014 to Sep 2019. History, examination was carried out, and preoperative MDS-UPDRS (Movement Disorder Society Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale) was recorded. Postoperative improvement in MDS-UPDRS score was assessed at first Programming, 2nd week, and 6th week and at 3rd month. Results:  At baseline the mean, the MDS – UPDRS (Part-I) score was 14.20 ± 0.61 and at the end of 3rd month, the mean score was 11.18 ± 0.47 respectively. At baseline the mean, the MDS – UPDRS (part-II) score was 18.99 ± 0.70 and at the end of 3rd month, the mean score was 13.01 ± 0.57, respectively. At baseline the mean, the MDS – UPDRS (part-III) score was 45.19 ± 0.90 and at the end of 3rd month, the mean score was 25.15 ± 1.20 respectively. At baseline the mean, the MDS – UPDRS (part-IV) score was 10.18 ± 0.87 and at the end of 3rd month, the mean score was 3.85 ± 1.03, respectively.  Conclusion:  The Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) is safe and effective in the management of PD.


2021 ◽  
Vol 132 (4) ◽  
pp. 857-863
Author(s):  
Georgia Sousouri ◽  
Christian R. Baumann ◽  
Lukas L. Imbach ◽  
Reto Huber ◽  
Esther Werth

2017 ◽  
Vol 22 (02) ◽  
pp. 125-129 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maira Olchik ◽  
Marciéle Ghisi ◽  
Annelise Ayres ◽  
Arthur Schuh ◽  
Paulo Oppitz ◽  
...  

Introduction Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is an established treatment for Parkinson's disease (PD). However, there is little evidence regarding the effect of DBS on dysphagia. Objective To assess the swallowing and quality of life of individuals with PD before and after DBS surgery. Methods Our sample consisted of people who had undergone DBS surgery in a referral hospital in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. The inclusion criteria were a diagnosis of PD and having undergone DBS surgery. A cognitive screening, through a questionnaire about depression and quality of life, was conducted. Evaluations of each patient's swallowing were performed before and after surgery. The assessment consisted of anamnesis, clinical assessment, the Functional Oral Intake Scale, clinical evaluation of swallowing, and the Hoehn and Yahr scale. Results The sample included 10 individuals, all male, with a mean age of 57.3 years (±4.7), a mean disease duration of 13.0 years (±2.4), and mean level education of 8.1 years (±4.0). In the clinical evaluation of the swallowing, a significant improvement after DBS was not observed. However, little changes in the signs and symptoms of dysphagia that had a positive impact on the quality of life were observed. Furthermore, there was no relation between the patients' motor subtype and swallowing pre- and post-DBS. Conclusion There was an improvement in the quality of life of the patients after DBS. However, the improvement in the clinical signs and symptoms of dysphagia did not cause an overall improvement in the swallowing function.


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