Effect of low-frequency deep brain stimulation on sensory thresholds in Parkinson's disease

• DOI: 10.3171/2016.2.jns152231
• Publication Date: 2016-04-22T14:00:49Z
• Authors: Abigail Belasen; Khizer Rizvi; Lucy E. Gee; Philip Yeung; Julia Prusik; Adolfo Ramirez-Za...; Era Hanspal; Priscilla Paiva; Jennifer Durphy; Charles E. Argoff; Julie G. Pilitsis
• Keywords: Quantitative sensory testing; Subthalamic Nucleus; Sensory threshold

OBJECTIVE Chronic pain is a major distressing symptom of Parkinson's disease (PD) that often undertreated. Subthalamic nucleus (STN) deep brain stimulation (DBS) delivers high-frequency (HFS) to patients with PD and has been effective in relief subset these patients. However, up 74% develop new concerns while receiving STN DBS. Here the authors explore whether altering frequency DBS changes perception as measured through quantitative sensory testing (QST). METHODS Using QST, thermal mechanical detection thresholds 19 undergoing via HFS, low-frequency (LFS), off conditions randomized order. Testing was performed region body most lower back without chronic pain. RESULTS In pain, LFS significantly reduced heat compared following HFS (p = 0.029) state 0.010). Moreover, resulted increased for pressure 0.020) vibration 0.040) HFS. Neither nor led other thresholds. response 40-g pinprick 0.032). CONCLUSIONS Recent literature suggested can be useful treating nonmotor symptoms PD. demonstrated modulates greater extent than Low-frequency an innovative means modulating The suggest may future option consider when whom remains predominant complaint.