Subthalamic Nucleus Deep Brain Stimulation in Parkinson's Disease

A group of 37 patients diagnosed with Parkinson's disease (PD) were treated with subthalamic deep brain stimulation (STN DBS). The mean age at implantation was 59 +/- 11 years and PD has been present from 6 to 17 years (mean 9). The STN was identified by direct and indirect methods: macro stimulation and microrecording in all cases. At a three month follow-up, the authors observed a mean reduction of 49% in UPDRS II score and a mean reduction of 65% in UPDRS III score. Mean reduction of 1-dopa consumption was 62%. The authors concluded that STN DBS safely reduces disabling symptoms of PD.