Deep brain stimulation for Parkinson's disease - A review

Abstract

The majority of patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) can be treated with medications. As the disease progresses, however, certain symptoms may evolve that are refractory to medical therapy but ideally suited to surgical intervention. Tremor, dyskinesia and motor fluctuation can be effectively treated with deep brain stimulation (DBS). This article highlights which PD patients can benefit from DBS and summarises how the operations are performed and what are the expected outcomes (and potential complications). The relevant literature is reviewed for experienced clinicians and our personal bias is highlighted for those new to the field (and hoping to avoid our early mistakes). © TOUCHBRIEFINGS 2012.