Deep brain stimulation for Parkinson's disease

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is an effective neurosurgical therapy for treatment of motor symptoms in Parkinson's disease (PD). DBS of the subthalamic nucleus (STN-DBS) leads to a significant reduction of hypokinetic and hyperkinetic symptoms and improvement in quality of life. STN-DBS is, however, associated with severe adverse effects including psychiatric symptoms, such as depression, apathy and increased suicidal tendencies. Pallidal DBS might be just as efficacious with fewer adverse effects. Future studies will prospectively compare the clinical effects of STN and pallidal DBS. Alternative targets for treatment of PD have to be considered including the pedunculopontine nucleus, thalamic CM/Pf complex and zona incerta.