Bilateral deep brain stimulation at the subthalamic nucleus for treating idiopathic Parkinson' s disease

Objective To explore the effect and the operative method of bilateral deep brain stimulation (DBS) for treating Parkinson's disease (PD). Methods 15 patients with idiopathic PD received implantation of electrodes in the bilateral subtha-lamic nucleus (STN) and stimulators in infraclavicular part localized by MRI, microelectrode guidance and surgiplan system. The stimulators were triggered in 1 to 2 weeks after operation. Follow-up evaluation continued for 2 years from the first month after stimulators functioned. Results After the bilateral electrical stimulation of STN, the symptoms such as stiffness, tremor and slow motion were relieved and all patients' scores for ADL and motor examination scores were significantly decreased respectively (P0.01). The mean dose of dopaminergic drugs was reduced. No severe permanent operative complications were found. Conclusion Bilateral electrical stimulation of STN is safe and effective in the treatment of PD not only because of its ameliorating many severe symptoms, especially by adjusting the stimulating parameters, but because of the reduction of the dose of levodapa.