Subthalamic stimulation improves levodopa responsive symptoms in a case of progressive supranuclear palsy

Parkinsonism Relat Disord. 2008;14(4):348-52. doi: 10.1016/j.parkreldis.2007.07.004. Epub 2007 Sep 6.

Abstract

A case is described of a patient with levodopa responsive parkinsonism, dyskinesia, and off periods who underwent bilateral deep brain stimulation of the subthalamic nuclei (DBS-STN) with good result. As the disease progressed, the patient fit diagnostic criteria for progressive supranuclear palsy parkinsonism (PSP-P). Benefit of DBS for the parkinsonian phenomena is still apparent 4 years later. That DBS-STN provided targeted symptom relief in this unusual patient suggests that the parkinsonism of PSP-P and that of Parkinson's disease (PD) may share a common pathophysiologic mechanism. The presence of dystonic features in this illness raises the possibility that the globus pallidus might also have been an effective target.

MeSH terms

  • Deep Brain Stimulation / methods*
  • Dopamine Agents / therapeutic use
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Levodopa / therapeutic use
  • Longitudinal Studies
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Middle Aged
  • Neuropsychological Tests
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Subthalamic Nucleus / physiology*
  • Supranuclear Palsy, Progressive / physiopathology
  • Supranuclear Palsy, Progressive / therapy*
  • Time Factors

Substances

  • Dopamine Agents
  • Levodopa