Deep brain stimulation of subthalamic nucleus: behavioural modifications and familiar relations

The present study investigated behavioural modifications and familiar relations in a group of 15 parkinsonian patients treated with bilateral deep brain stimulation of the subthalamic nucleus. In 70% of the patients, during the first months after surgery we observed a euphoric mood owing to motor signs amelioration, but a series of problems (fear to come back to the pre-operative condition, sense of failure, slowness in changing the old habits) arose when it was necessary to adjust the parameters of stimulation and the pharmacological therapy to obtain a stable clinical picture. The caregivers showed an aggressive behaviour as reaction to the persistent psychological dependence of the patients. This distressed condition could be the cause of the onset of incomprehensions within the couple.