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Chronic Subthalamic Nucleus Stimulation Reduces Medication Requirements in Parkinson's Disease
Neurol 53:85-90, Moro,E.,et al, 1999
See this aricle in Pubmed

Article Abstract
Parkinsonian features improved in all patients-the greatest change seen in rigidity, then tremor, followed by bradykinesia. Compared with the presurgical condition, off-drug UPDRS motor scores improved by 41.9% on the last visit (p = 0.0 002), UPDRS activities of daily living (ADL) scores improved by 52.2% (p = 0.0002), and the Schwab & England scale score improved by 213% (p = 0.0002). The levodopa-equivalent daily dose was reduced by 65%. Night sleep improved in all patients due to in creased mobility at night, and in five patients insomnia was resolved. All patients gained weight after surgery and their appetite increased. The mean weight gain at the last follow-up was 13% compared with before surgery. During the last visit, the st imulation amplitude was 2.0 +/= 0.5 V and the total energy delivered per patient averaged 2.7 +/= 1.4 W x 10^-6. The results of patient self-assessment scales indicated a marked improvement in five patients and a moderate improvement in the other two. The neuropsychological data showed no changes. Side effects were mild and tolerable. In all cases, a tradeoff between the optimal voltage and the severity of side effects made it possible to control parkinsonian signs effectively. The most marked side effects directly related to STN stimulation consisted of ballistic or choreic dyskinesias of the neck and the limbs elicited by contralateral STN stimulation above a given threshold voltage, which varied depending on the individual. Parkinsonian signs ca n be controlled by bilateral high-frequency STN stimulation. The procedure is well tolerated. On-state dyskinesias were greatly reduced, probably due to the reduction of total antiparkinsonian medication. Bilateral high-frequency STN stimulation compen sated for drug reduction and elicited dyskinesias which differ from those observed following dopaminergic medication. ADL improved significantly, suggesting that some motor tasks performed during everyday chores, and that are not taken into account in th e UPDRS motor score, also improved.
 
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Parkinson disease
Parkinson disease,surgical treatment of
Parkinson disease,treatment of
stimulation,deep brain
subthalamic nucleus
subthalamic nucleus deep brain stimulation
treatment of neurologic disorder
tremor,thalamic stimulation for suppression of

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