In a nutshell
This study investigated the effects of frequency and electrode location in deep brain stimulation (DBS) on speech problems in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). Researchers suggested that DBS with dorsal electrodes can worsen certain speech problems in these patients.
Some background
PD affects certain brain cells. These cells control the activities of the body and mind. Patients with PD lose these cells and the abilities controlled by them. This causes symptoms such as muscle weakness or impaired speech (talking).
DBS consists of sending electrical impulses to the brain, through electrodes located in specific areas of the body. Prior studies showed the effectiveness of DBS in treating movement symptoms. However, some studies suggested that high-frequency DBS can worsen speech symptoms.
It is not clear how low-frequency DBS and electrode location could impact the treatment of these patients without worsening their speech problems.
Methods & findings
This study included information about 50 patients with PD who received DBS and 100 that did not. The intensity of their voice and their speech abilities were measured. Patients in the DBS group were compared between high- and low-frequency DBS and off-DBS. The impact of electrode location was also assessed.
Patients in the DBS group had decreased vocal range when compared to those that did not receive DBS. This was also true for patients who underwent high-frequency DBS when compared to low-frequency or no DBS.
Voice range was lower when electrodes were in the back compared to those in the front area of the body. Patients who receive DBS were 9.53 times more at risk of having a low voice range.
The bottom line
This study concluded that high-frequency DBS with back electrodes can worsen speech problems in patients treated for Parkinson's disease.
Published By :
Parkinsonism & related disorders
Date :
Jul 18, 2019
