Bilateral deep brain stimulation of the subthalamic nucleus in advanced Parkinson's disease

Objective To evaluate the efficacy of bilateral deep brain stimulation(DBS) of the subthalamic nucleus (STN) in the treatment of advanced Parkinson's disease (PD). Methods Seven patients with PD were underwent DBS, Electrodes placement targeting was determined by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and confirmed with electrophysiological method. Results Significant improvement in six partients post-operatively without any severe complications. The tremors disappear completely, rigidity restores normally, gait and posture improve obviously; one case underwent bilateral Vim and unilateral GPi lesions improved mildly. Especially, bilateral DBS of the STN may significantly decrease the dose equivalents of levodopa.Conclusions Bilateral stimulation of STN is associated with significant improvement in motor function in patients with advanced Parkinson's disease whose condition cannot be further improvement with medical therapy.