Staged bilateral pallidotomy for treatment of Parkinson disease

2001 ◽  
Vol 94 (3) ◽  
pp. 437-444 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peter M. Intemann ◽  
Donna Masterman ◽  
Indu Subramanian ◽  
Antonio DeSalles ◽  
Eric Behnke ◽  
...  

Object. Several investigators have described the motor benefits derived from performing unilateral stereotactic pallidotomy for the treatment of Parkinson disease (PD), but little is known about the efficacy and complication rates of bilateral procedures. The goal of this study was to assess both these factors in 12 patients. Methods. Eleven patients with medically intractable PD underwent staged bilateral pallidotomy and one patient underwent a simultaneous bilateral procedure. Unilateral pallidotomy resulted in an improvement in the patients' Unified Parkinson Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) total scores and motor subscores, Hoehn and Yahr stages, and Schwab and England Activities of Daily Living scores. There were no complications. The second procedures were performed 5 to 25 months after the first, and nearly complete 3-month follow-up data are available for eight of these patients. Staged bilateral pallidotomy did result in further improvements in some symptoms, but the patients proved to be less responsive to levodopa. In contrast to outcomes of the initial unilateral pallidotomy, there were significant complications. One patient suffered an acute stroke, two patients suffered delayed infarctions of the internal capsule, four patients had mild-to-moderate worsening of speech and increased drooling, and one patient complained of worsening memory. Conclusions. Bilateral pallidotomy results in modest benefits but is associated with an increased risk of complications.

2002 ◽  
Vol 96 (6) ◽  
pp. 1058-1062 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ravikant S. Palur ◽  
Caglar Berk ◽  
Michael Schulzer ◽  
Christopher R. Honey

Object. There is an active debate regarding whether pallidotomy should be performed using macroelectrode stimulation or the more sophisticated and expensive method of microelectrode recording. No prospective, randomized trial results have answered this question, although personnel at many centers claim one method is superior. In their metaanalysis the authors reviewed published reports of both methods to determine if there is a significant difference in clinical outcomes or complication rates associated with these methods. Methods. A metaanalysis was performed with data from reports on the use of unilateral pallidotomy in patients with Parkinson disease (PD) that were published between 1992 and 2000. A Medline search was conducted for the key word “pallidotomy” and additional studies were added following a review of the references. Only those studies dealing with unilateral procedures performed in patients with PD were included. Papers were excluded if they described a cohort smaller than 10 patients or a follow-up period shorter than 3 months or included cases that previously had been reported. The primary end points for outcome were the percentages of improvement in dyskinesias and in motor scores determined by the Unified PD Rating Scale (UPDRS). Complications were categorized as mortality, intracranial hemorrhage, visual deficit, speech deficit, cognitive decline, weakness, and other. There were no significant differences between the two methods with respect to improvements in dyskinesias (p = 0.66) or UPDRS motor scores (p = 0.62). Microelectrode recording was associated with a significantly higher (p = 0.012) intracranial hemorrhage rate (1.3 ± 0.4%), compared with macroelectrode stimulation (0.25 ± 0.2%). Conclusions. In reports of patients with PD who underwent unilateral pallidotomy, operations that included microelectrode recording were associated with a small, but significantly higher rate of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage; however, there was no difference in postoperative reduction of dyskinesia or bradykinesia compared with operations that included macroelectrode stimulation.


2002 ◽  
Vol 97 (3) ◽  
pp. 598-606 ◽  
Author(s):  
Philip C. Su ◽  
Ham-Min Tseng ◽  
Hon-Man Liu ◽  
Ruoh-Fang Yen ◽  
Horng-Huei Liou

Object. The aim of this study was to determine if subthalamotomy is effective in treating advanced Parkinson disease (PD). Methods. The authors performed microelectrode mapping—guided stereotactic surgery on the subthalamic nucleus in eight patients with PD. Lesioning was performed using radiofrequency heat coagulation and confirmed with magnetic resonance imaging. Three patients who underwent unilateral and four with bilateral subthalamotomy were evaluated for up to 18 months according to the Unified PD Rating Scale (UPDRS). One patient who underwent unilateral subthalamotomy died 6 months postsurgery. At 3 months into the “off” period after surgery, there were significant improvements in contralateral bradykinesia (p < 0.0002), rigidity (p < 0.0001), tremor (p < 0.01), axial motor features (p < 0.02), gait (p < 0.03), postural stability (p < 0.03), total UPDRS scores (p < 0.03), and Schwab and England scores (p < 0.04). The benefits were sustained at 6, 12, and 18 months, except for the improvement in tremor. At 12 months into the “on” period, significant benefits were present for motor fluctuation (p < 0.04), on dyskinesia (p < 0.006), off duration (p < 0.05), total UPDRS score (p < 0.02), and contralateral tremor (p < 0.05). Benefits for motor fluctuation, off duration, and off-period tremor were lost after the 18-month follow-up period. The levodopa requirement was reduced by 66% for the unilateral and 38% for the bilaterally treated group. Bilateral subthalamotomy offered more benefits than did unilateral surgery for various parkinsonian features in both the on and off periods. Three patients suffered hemiballismus, two recovered spontaneously, and one died of aspiration pneumonia after discontinuation of levodopa. Conclusions. These findings indicate that subthalamotomy can ameliorate the cardinal symptoms of PD, reduce the dosage of levodopa, diminish complications of the drug therapy, and improve the quality of life.


2003 ◽  
Vol 99 (1) ◽  
pp. 71-77 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rajesh Pahwa ◽  
Steven B. Wilkinson ◽  
John Overman ◽  
Kelly E. Lyons

Object. Bilateral subthalamic nucleus (STN) stimulation is increasingly used in patients with advanced Parkinson disease (PD). This study was performed to evaluate the long-term efficacy and safety of bilateral STN stimulation in cases of PD. Methods. The authors performed a prospective, open-label study in patients with PD who underwent bilateral STN stimulation. The authors compared motor scores and activities of daily living (ADL) scores based on the Unified PD Rating Scale (UPDRS) obtained before surgery while patients were in the medication-off state with scores obtained at follow-up evaluations of these patients while in the medication-off/stimulator-on state. Data contained in patient diaries were also compared. Thirty-three patients with PD were evaluated 12 months postoperatively and 19 were evaluated at a mean follow-up time of 28 months. A comparison between UPDRS scores obtained in patients in the medication-off/stimulator-on state and those obtained when patients were in the baseline medication-off state showed a 27% improvement in ADL scores and a 28% improvement in motor scores after surgery. There was a 57% reduction in the use of levodopa-equivalent medication doses. The percentage of the waking day that patients were in the medication-on state increased from 38 to 72%. Surgical complications included seizures (three patients), confusion (five patients), hemiballismus (one patient), and visual disturbance (one patient). Stimulation-related adverse effects were mild. Device-related events included nine lead replacements, seven lead revisions, six extension replacements, and 12 implantable pulse generator (IPG) replacements; one IPG was cleaned and one IPG was placed in a pocket because of the presence of a shunt. Conclusions. Bilateral STN simulation is associated with a significant improvement in the motor features of PD. Device-related events were common in the first 20 patients who underwent surgery, often requiring repeated surgeries.


2004 ◽  
Vol 100 (6) ◽  
pp. 997-1001 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mitsuhiro Ogura ◽  
Naoyuki Nakao ◽  
Ekini Nakai ◽  
Yuji Uematsu ◽  
Toru Itakura

Object. Although chronic electrical stimulation of the globus pallidus (GP) has been shown to ameliorate motor disabilities in Parkinson disease (PD), the underlying mechanism remains to be clarified. In this study the authors explored the mechanism for the effects of deep brain stimulation of the GP by investigating the changes in neurotransmitter levels in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) during the stimulation. Methods. Thirty patients received chronic electrical stimulation of the GP internus (GPi). Clinical effects were assessed using the Unified PD Rating Scale (UPDRS) and the Hoehn and Yahr Staging Scale at 1 week before surgery and at 6 and 12 months after surgery. One day after surgery, CSF samples were collected through a ventricular tube before and 1 hour after GPi stimulation. The concentration of neurotransmitters such as γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), noradrenaline, dopamine, and homovanillic acid (HVA) in the CSF was measured using high-performance liquid chromatography. The treatment was effective for tremors, rigidity, and drug-induced dyskinesia. The concentration of GABA in the CSF increased significantly during stimulation, although there were no significant changes in the level of noradrenaline, dopamine, and HVA. A comparison between an increased rate of GABA concentration and a lower UPDRS score 6 months postimplantation revealed that the increase in the GABA level correlated with the stimulation-induced clinical effects. Conclusions. Stimulation of the GPi substantially benefits patients with PD. The underlying mechanism of the treatment may involve activation of GABAergic afferents in the GP.


2004 ◽  
Vol 100 (4) ◽  
pp. 606-610 ◽  
Author(s):  
Taro Nimura ◽  
Tadashi Ando ◽  
Keiichiro Yamaguchi ◽  
Takeshi Nakajima ◽  
Reizo Shirane ◽  
...  

Object. Levodopa-induced dyskinesia (LID) in patients with Parkinson disease (PD) mimics acute dystonic reactions induced by antipsychotic agents, possibly mediated by σ-receptors; however, there are few reports in which the relationship between σ-receptors and LID in advanced PD is investigated. The binding potential of cerebellar σ-receptors before and after a pallidal surgery for dyskinesia in patients with advanced PD is assessed. Methods. Six patients with advanced PD (male/female ratio 3:3, age 56.7 ± 9.8 years) underwent stereotactic pallidal surgery (two posteroventral pallidotomy procedures and four deep brain stimulation of the globus pallidus internus, including one bilateral case). Clinical features of patients with PD were assessed using Hoehn and Yahr (H & Y) stages, the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS), and the Schwab and England Activities of Daily Life Scale (S & E). The LID was evaluated by LID severity score. The binding potential of cerebellar σ-receptors was determined before and after the surgery by 11C-nemonapride positron emission tomoraphy, a specific radioligand for σ-receptors in the cerebellum. All clinical scores, especially the LID severity score, were dramatically improved after the surgery (p < 0.05). Preoperatively, contralateral cerebellar binding potential was significantly elevated (p < 0.01), and it was reduced after the surgery, but it was still higher than that of healthy volunteers (p < 0.05). The ipsilateral cerebellar binding potential remained unchanged after the surgery. The level of binding potential did not correlate with H & Y stage, UPDRS, or S & E score, but a strong positive correlation was seen between the binding potential and the preoperative LID severity score when the patients were receiving medication (r = 0.893, p < 0.05). Conclusions. Cerebellar σ-receptors may potentially involve the genesis of LID in advanced PD.


1994 ◽  
Vol 80 (5) ◽  
pp. 810-819 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joachim K. Krauss ◽  
Mohsen Mohadjer ◽  
Fritz Nobbe ◽  
Fritz Mundinger

✓ The authors report the long-term results of stereotactic surgery for severe posttraumatic appendicular tremor in 35 patients. The tremors developed after severe head trauma in 33 patients (94%) and after mild to moderate head trauma in two (6%). In all but one, the tremor was most evident during activity. The amplitude of the kinetic tremor was greater than 5 cm in 33 patients (94%) and greater than 12 cm in 19 patients (54%). All were severely incapacitated in their daily living activities due to the tremors. The 35 patients underwent 42 stereotactic operations; five patients were reoperated on the same side and two were treated with a bilateral staged procedure. The contralateral zona incerta was the stereotactic target in 12 patients and was targeted in combination with the base of the ventrolateral (oroventral) thalamus in 23 patients. Long-term postoperative follow-up review was obtained in 32 patients (mean follow-up period 10.5 years). Persistent improvement of tremor was noted in 88%. The tremor was absent or markedly reduced in 65%. Functional disability was assessed and quantified with a modified form of an established rating scale for patients with tremor; it was reduced from a mean value of 57% of maximum disability to 37% over the long term (p < 0.001). Follow-up lesion assessment was obtained in 18 patients by multiplanar magnetic resonance imaging and at autopsy in one patient whose death was unrelated to surgery. As in previous studies, the frequency of persistent side effects was relatively high (38%). These consisted mainly of aggravation of preoperative symptoms. The results are compared to those of a total of 55 patients reported from 1960 to 1992. The occurrence of dystonia and dystonic postures is discussed. Stereotactic surgery is a powerful tool to alleviate posttraumatic tremor and to improve functional disability. However, as there is considerable risk of persistent morbidity in patients after severe head trauma, the operation should be restricted to selected cases with disabling tremor.


2005 ◽  
Vol 103 (2) ◽  
pp. 252-255 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kelly E. Lyons ◽  
Rajesh Pahwa

Object. The goals of this study were to evaluate long-term benefits in quality of life in patients with Parkinson disease (PD) after bilateral deep brain stimulation (DBS) of the subthalamic nucleus (STN) and to evaluate the relationship between improvements in motor function and quality of life. Methods. Seventy-one patients who received bilateral STN stimulation implants and participated in follow-up review for at least 12 months were included in the study. Fifty-nine patients participated in a 12-month follow-up review and 43 patients in a follow-up review lasting at least 24 months. Patients' symptoms were assessed preoperatively by using the Unified PD Rating Scale (UPDRS) in the “medication-on” and “medication-off” conditions and quality of life was examined using the 39-item PD Questionnaire (PDQ-39). Patient evaluations were repeated postoperatively during periods of stimulation. The UPDRS activities of daily living (ADL) and motor scores as well as the PDQ-39 total, mobility, ADL, emotional well-being, stigma, and bodily discomfort scores were significantly improved at 12 months compared with baseline scores; the UPDRS ADL and motor scores as well as the PDQ-39 total, mobility, ADL, stigma, and bodily discomfort scores were significantly improved at the longest follow-up examination compared with baseline scores. There was a strong correlation between UPDRS motor and ADL scores and the PDQ-39 total, mobility, and ADL scores. Further analyses indicated that improvements in tremor were only correlated with PDQ-39 ADL subscale scores and rigidity was not correlated with any aspect of quality of life. Nevertheless, bradykinesia was strongly correlated with improvements in the PDQ-39 total, mobility, and ADL scores. Conclusions. Improvements in quality of life following bilateral DBS of the STN are maintained in the long term. These improvements are strongly correlated with improvements in motor function, primarily with regard to bradykinesia.


1997 ◽  
Vol 86 (5) ◽  
pp. 801-805 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael K. Morgan ◽  
Katharine J. Drummond ◽  
Verity Grinnell ◽  
William Sorby

✓ The aim of this study was to compare complications of surgery in arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) supplied by the middle cerebral artery (MCA) with and without a lenticulostriate arterial contribution. Ninety-two consecutive surgical resections of AVMs with an angiographically demonstrated MCA supply were performed between January 1989 and July 1996. Ten of these cases had a significant lenticulostriate arterial contribution. The cases were graded according to the Spetzler—Martin classification. There were no deaths and 4.3% of cases developed new major neurological deficit by the 3-month follow-up examination. All cases had angiographically confirmed obliteration of the AVM. There were no complications in 16 patients with Spetzler—Martin Grade I AVMs, one case of complications in 40 patients with Grade II AVMs, eight cases of complications in 26 patients with Grade III AVMs, and seven cases of complications in 10 patients with Grade IV and V AVMs. The supply of blood from lenticulostriate branches was associated with complications in eight of the 10 cases. The effect of the presence of a lenticulostriate arterial supply was most apparent in cases of Grade III AVMs: complications were experienced in three of 20 patients whose AVMs were not supplied by the arteries and in five of six patients whose AVMs were fed by the lenticulostriate arteries. This difference is significant (p < 0.0001). The conclusions drawn from this study are that for Grade III AVMs, the presence of a lenticulostriate arterial supply can be considered a factor predictive of an increased risk of surgical complications.


2001 ◽  
Vol 94 (6) ◽  
pp. 913-917 ◽  
Author(s):  
David J. Skirving ◽  
Noel G. Dan

Object. The aim of this study was to investigate outcomes and complication rates associated with percutaneous balloon compression (PBC) of the trigeminal ganglion over a long follow-up period. Methods. This retrospective review was conducted in 496 patients with typical symptoms of unilateral trigeminal neuralgia who underwent 531 PBCs of the trigeminal ganglion between 1980 and 1999. The mean length of follow up was 10.7 years. The treatment used was a modification of that first described by Mullan and Lichtor in 1983. There were nine technical failures. Of the 522 successful procedures, prompt pain relief ensued in all patients except one. Recurrence of pain was found in 95 patients (19.2%) within 5 years and in 158 patients (31.9%) over the entire study period. Symptomatic dysesthesias occurred in 19 patients (3.8%), but corneal anesthesia and anesthesia dolorosa did not. Conclusions. In this review the authors present data on the largest cohort of patients with the longest follow up for this procedure in the current literature. The balance between the recurrence rate and troublesome sensory complications achieved in this series is favorable when compared with previously published studies on outcomes of PBC and the two alternative percutaneous methods, radiofrequency thermocoagulation and glycerol rhizolysis. The PBC procedure has additional advantages in that it is relatively straightforward and quick, and can be performed during a brief period of general anesthesia with no discomfort to the patient. This makes it an attractive first choice in the treatment of trigeminal neuralgia.


1989 ◽  
Vol 71 (1) ◽  
pp. 10-15 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. Bob Blacklock ◽  
Randal S. Weber ◽  
Ya-Yen Lee ◽  
Helmuth Goepfert

✓ Combined cranial and facial procedures for resection of malignancies of the paranasal sinuses and nasal cavity have been used with variable success and complication rates in the last 25 years. A series of nine patients undergoing 10 exclusively transcranial procedures for these tumors is presented, and an effective technique for reconstruction without free tissue transfer is described. The patients in this series suffered no major complications, and all have remained free of disease during the short follow-up period. The technique described in this report offers the advantage of wide exposure, symmetrical approach to the superstructures of the face and orbits, the potential for resection of a large portion of the anterior cranial floor, and substantial reconstruction which is a major factor in avoiding complications.


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