In a nutshell
This study investigated whether surgery and medical therapy increase the quality of life of patients with advanced Parkinson´s disease (PD). Researchers suggested that surgery combined with medical therapy was associated with improved quality of life for these patients, when compared to therapy alone.
Some background
PD is caused by the loss of certain brain cells. The symptoms can go from tremors to muscle rigidity. Medical therapy such as levodopa helps controlling these symptoms. However, patients experience negative side effects related to the treatment after a few years.
In deep brain stimulation (DBS), an electrode is surgically implanted into the brain. The stimulation is controlled by a device implanted under the skin of the chest. Stimulation can reduce the symptoms of PD. Surgery to lesion (alter tissue) the brain is also a treatment that can be used. Because the use of surgery and DBS has been increasing over the years, it is important to understand the effects on patient quality of life.
Methods & findings
The objective of this study was to evaluate if DBS, surgery, and medical therapy improves PD patients´ quality of life. 366 advanced PD patients were randomly assigned to receive surgery and medical therapy (183) or therapy alone (183). All patients who underwent surgery also underwent DBS.
After 1 year, patients who underwent surgery and therapy had an improved mobility and body discomfort. 36 (19%) patients had serious side effects related to the surgery and one patient died.
The bottom line
This study determined that surgery/DBS combined with medical therapy improves the quality of life of advanced PD patients.
The fine print
This is an older study that highlights the effectiveness of DBS. Lesion surgery is no longer often used as a treatment for PD.
Published By :
The Lancet. Neurology
Date :
Jun 01, 2010
