Low-frequency stimulation of STN-DBS reduces aspiration and freezing of gait in patients with PD.

ABSTRACT:

Objectives

To study whether 60-Hz stimulation, compared with routine 130 Hz, improves swallowing function and freezing of gait (FOG) in patients with Parkinson disease (PD) who undergo bilateral subthalamic nucleus (STN) deep brain stimulation (DBS).

Methods

We studied 7 patients with PD who experienced FOG that persisted despite routine 130-Hz stimulation and dopaminergic medication. Each patient received 3 modified barium swallow (MBS) studies in a single day under 3 DBS conditions in the medication-on state: 130 Hz, 60 Hz, or DBS off, in a randomized double-blind manner. The laryngeal penetration and aspiration events were cautiously assessed, and a swallowing questionnaire was completed. The Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale, Part III motor score, axial subscore,

SUBMITTER: Xie T 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4336001 | biostudies-literature | 2015 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature