GPi and STN deep brain stimulation can suppress dyskinesia in Parkinson's disease

Abstract Objectives To compare subthalamic nucleus (STN) to globus pallidus internus (GPi) deep brain stimulation (DBS) for control of motor fluctuations and for potential dyskinesia-suppressing qualities. Methods We conducted a retrospective database review of all patients who underwent GPi or STN DBS for idiopathic Parkinson's disease. Direct dyskinesia suppression (dDS) was defined as improvement in dyskinesia subscore of the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) part IV (items 32–34), despite lack of reduction in dopaminergic medication dosage. We analyzed the data using methods appropriate for a case–control study. Results A total of 133 patients were evaluated. At the last evaluation Dyskinesia scores and motor fluctuations significantly improved in both the GPi ( p