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Controlling Parkinson's Disease With Adaptive Deep Brain Stimulation
Published on: July 16, 2014
Subthalamic nucleus deep brain stimulation changes velopharyngeal control in Parkinson's disease
Michael J Hammer1, Steven M Barlow, Kelly E Lyons
1Department of Surgery, Division of Otolaryngology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA. hammer@surgery.wisc.edu
Journal of Communication Disorders
|August 17, 2010
Summary
Subthalamic nucleus deep brain stimulation (STN DBS) in Parkinson's disease (PD) may improve velopharyngeal control for speech, particularly with low-frequency settings. However, its impact on speech is less pronounced than on limb function.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Neurosurgery
- Speech Science
Background:
- Velopharyngeal control is crucial for speech clarity.
- Parkinson's disease (PD) often impairs velopharyngeal function.
- The effect of bilateral subthalamic nucleus deep brain stimulation (STN DBS) on velopharyngeal control in PD is not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of STN DBS on aerodynamic measures of velopharyngeal control in PD.
- To determine if changes in velopharyngeal control correlate with limb function and STN DBS parameters.
Main Methods:
- Seventeen PD participants with bilateral STN DBS were assessed.
- Aerodynamic measures of velopharyngeal function during syllable production were recorded.
- Limb function and STN DBS settings were evaluated with stimulation ON and OFF.
Main Results:
- STN DBS led to increased intraoral pressure (n=7) and velopharyngeal closure (n=5) in PD participants.
- These velopharyngeal changes showed modest correlations with limb function.
- Velopharyngeal changes were correlated with STN DBS stimulation frequency.
Conclusions:
- STN DBS may positively influence velopharyngeal control in PD during speech.
- Low-frequency STN DBS appears more beneficial for velopharyngeal control.
- The influence of STN DBS on speech-related velopharyngeal control is subtler than on limb motor control, necessitating further investigation into underlying mechanisms.
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