Deep brain stimulation works in Parkinson's disease

Reported by Susan Aldridge, PhD, medical journalist

A study shows that deep brain stimulation improves uncontrollable movements in patients with Parkinson's disease.
Previous work has suggested that deep electrical stimulation of two areas of the brain may help improve the symptoms of Parkinson's disease. The two areas are the globus pallidus interna (GPI) and the subthalamic nucleus (STN). In a study by researchers at the Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, 23 patients with medication-induced uncontrolled movements had deep brain stimulators implanted in either the GPI or STN. They were then evaluated with or without medication using a standard rating scale at three, six or 12 months post-surgery.

At 12 months, both groups had improved if they were off medication. Improvements were not noted among those who were on medication. The researchers conclude that the selection of where to place the electrodes should be decided on the individual patient symptom profile.

Source
Archives of Neurology April 2005 Volume 62 pages 554-560

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