Bilateral subthalamic nucleus stimulation for severe Parkinson's disease

P Limousin, P Pollak, A Benazzouz… - … : official journal of the …, 1995 - Wiley Online Library
P Limousin, P Pollak, A Benazzouz, D Hoffmann, E Broussolle, JE Perret, AL Benabid
Movement disorders: official journal of the Movement Disorder Society, 1995Wiley Online Library
Subthalamic nucleus (STN) lesions or high‐frequency stimulations could improve
parkinsonian symptoms in monkeys treated by MPTP. We have applied the procedure of
chronic stimulation to the STN in severely disabled parkinsonian patients. This article
presents the case of the first patient operated on bilaterally. Bilateral STN stimulation has
greatly improved akinesia and rigidity. The benefit was maintained≤ 15 months after
surgery. Unilateral stimulation induced motor effects mainly in contralateral limbs. Further …
Abstract
Subthalamic nucleus (STN) lesions or high‐frequency stimulations could improve parkinsonian symptoms in monkeys treated by MPTP. We have applied the procedure of chronic stimulation to the STN in severely disabled parkinsonian patients. This article presents the case of the first patient operated on bilaterally. Bilateral STN stimulation has greatly improved akinesia and rigidity. The benefit was maintained ≤15 months after surgery. Unilateral stimulation induced motor effects mainly in contralateral limbs. Further studies are needed to evaluate the value of this procedure in the treatment of Parkinson's disease.
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