Deep brain stimulation improves the long-term outcomes of patients with early Parkinson’s disease

This study investigated the long-term effectiveness of deep brain stimulation (DBS) in early-stage Parkinson's disease (PD). Researchers suggested that DBS reduces the need for PD medication while improving long-term outcomes.

PD is a chronic disorder that affects brain cells. These cells lose their ability to control body function which causes symptoms such as muscle weakness. The standard medication treatment for PD is levodopa. However, the long-term use of levodopa is associated with negative side effects.

DBS consists of activating specific areas of the brain through electrical impulses. These impulses are delivered by a medical device implanted through surgery. Prior studies showed that DBS improves the short to mid-term outcomes of these patients, even when given alone (without medication). However, too little is known about the long-term effectiveness of DBS in early-stage PD.

This study included 28 patients with PD. Patients were randomized to receive either PD medication alone or PD medication and DBS. Participants were followed-up through annual visits for 5 years. 

Patients receiving DBS and medication required lower doses of daily levodopa. These patients also had 0.06 times the odds of requiring other medications at 5 years when compared to the medication alone group. At 5 years, 93% of the medication-only group needed more than one PD medication, compared to 43% of the DBS group.

Patients receiving DBS and medication were 0.21 times less likely to have worse rest tremor when compared to medication alone. Side effects were similar between both treatment groups.

This study concluded that DBS is a good and safe long-term option for patients with early PD.

This study included a limited number of participants. Further studies with bigger populations are necessary.