Deep Brain Stimulation for Parkinson’s Disease

DR PREM PILLAY, SENIOR NEUROSURGEON,
Stereotactic and Functional Neurosurgery, including for Parkinsons Disease, Expert

Selection Criteria

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) has become a standard treatment for advanced Parkinson’s disease (PD), but selecting the right candidates is crucial for optimal outcomes. Traditional selection criteria, such as those outlined in the Core Assessment Program for Surgical Interventional Therapies in Parkinson’s Disease (CAPSIT-PD), are considered outdated due to advances in understanding PD’s heterogeneity. Current practices emphasize a comprehensive assessment of both motor and non-motor symptoms, including genetic and phenotypic characterization, to better predict surgical outcomes. An interdisciplinary team often reviews potential candidates to evaluate the risk-benefit profile, ensuring realistic expectations are set7. Currently too few patients are receiving DBS globally states Dr Prem Pillay because of the lack of trained Neuro Specialists, Equipment costs and availability,and patient access to specialized Neuro Centers.

Targets

The subthalamic nucleus (STN) and globus pallidus internus (GPi) are the primary targets for DBS in PD. Both targets have shown similar efficacy in improving motor symptoms, but they differ in their impact on medication reduction and mood. STN DBS allows for a greater reduction in dopaminergic medication but may negatively affect speech and mood, whereas GPi DBS is associated with better mood outcomes. Emerging targets, such as the pedunculopontine nucleus and the caudal zona incerta, show promise for addressing specific symptoms like axial symptoms and tremor.

Methods and Techniques

The DBS procedure involves precise localization of the target area, often using ventriculography and/or high definition MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging ) and intraoperative neuronal microrecording to ensure accurate placement. In leading Neuro centers for example, DBS is typically performed bilaterally in a single session with awake anesthesia, using frame-based techniques and microelectrode recordings for final lead positioning. Advances in neuroimaging are expected to further refine targeting accuracy.

Results

DBS has been shown to significantly improve motor function and quality of life in PD patients, with benefits sustained even in advanced stages of the disease. A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials indicates that both STN and GPi DBS provide similar motor benefits, although STN DBS allows for a greater reduction in medication. However, axial symptoms such as speech and balance may not improve as much and can sometimes worsen post-surgery.

Future Innovations

The future of DBS in PD includes the development of adaptive DBS systems, such as closed-loop approaches that adjust stimulation in real-time based on patient needs. New hardware with directional stimulation capabilities and advanced imaging techniques are being explored to enhance precision and efficacy. Research is also focused on identifying new brain targets and refining programming strategies to address treatment-resistant symptoms.

Conclusion

Deep brain stimulation remains a highly effective treatment for Parkinson’s disease, with ongoing innovations aimed at improving patient outcomes. Careful patient selection, precise targeting, and advanced programming are essential for maximizing the benefits of DBS. Dr Prem Pillay explains that future advancements in technology and methodology hold promise for further enhancing the efficacy and scope of this treatment. Apart from Parkinsons disease , patients with morbid obesity, treatment resistant depression and other functional conditions may benefit from the techniques and technologies used for Parkinsons disease in the near future.

References

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Careful patient selection, individualized target localization, and evaluation of stimulation parameters are crucial requirements for optimal results in deep brain stimulation for Parkinson’s disease.
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Proper selection of patients and accuracy in targeting the subthalamic nucleus (STN) are crucial for achieving the best possible results in Parkinson’s disease deep brain stimulation.
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Motor benefits of GPi and STN DBS for Parkinson’s disease are similar, but STN stimulation allows for greater medication reduction and better mood compared to GPi stimulation.
2017·84Citations·A. Mansouri et al.·
Journal of neurosurgery
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Rethinking the selection process for DBS in Parkinson’s disease should include a broad assessment of non-motor symptoms, quantitative measurement of gait, posture, and balance, and in-depth genotypic and phenotypic characterization.
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STN and GPi DBS both improve motor scores in Parkinson’s disease, but STN DBS has more negative effects on speech and mood, while GPi DBS has less impact on speech and mood.
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DBS therapy for Parkinson’s disease is effective, with subthalamic nucleus and globus pallidus internus targets being the most widely used, and research focuses on improving symptom control and efficiency of stimulation delivery.
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DBS has shown better motor, nonmotor, and quality-of-life outcomes for patients with fluctuating Parkinson’s disease, disabling dystonia, tremors, and refractory Gilles de la Tourette syndrome.
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Deep brain stimulation for Parkinson’s disease requires proper patient selection and evaluation using the Core Assessment Program for Surgical Interventions and Transplantation in Parkinson’s Disease (CAPSIT-PD).
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