Investigating the Impact of Deep Brain Stimulation on Motor Function in Parkinson's disease

Abstract

Parkinson's Disease (PD), a neurological condition that causes movement impairment, affects millions globally. Over time, conventional pharmacological therapies relieve symptoms but become ineffective, causing substantial impairment. Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) may improve PD patients' quality of life. This comprehensive study examines how DBS affects motor function in PD, including clinical outcomes and mechanisms, with an emphasis on patient selection, electrode placement, and postoperative treatment.

Complex factors underlie DBS's motor symptom relief in PD patients. It inhibits abnormal oscillatory activity in the basal ganglia, regulating motor circuit function and maybe releasing neuroprotective substances to halt neurodegeneration. Important trials like EARLYSTIM and NSTAPS have shown that DBS-treated patients have improved motor symptoms, quality of life, and medication reduction. However, DBS has surgical risks and stimulation-induced adverse effects, emphasizing the need for thorough patient evaluation and care.

Adaptive DBS, which modifies stimulation parameters in real time based on the patient's brain activity, is a paradigm shift. This paper also examines closed-loop systems and sophisticated imaging techniques, which could improve electrode placement and personalized therapy. This comprehensive review study highlights DBS's therapeutic promise and the expanding landscape of this new intervention in PD patients' motor function.