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Updated: May 28, 2026
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Controlling Parkinson's Disease With Adaptive Deep Brain Stimulation
Published on: July 16, 2014
Deep brain stimulation response in pathologically confirmed cases of multiple system atrophy
Michael Ullman1, Vinata Vedam-Mai, Andrew S Resnick
1Department of Neurology, University of Florida College of Medicine, Center for Movement Disorders and Neurorestortation, McKnight Brain Institute, 100 S. Newell Drive, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA.
Parkinsonism & Related Disorders
|October 11, 2011
Summary
Deep brain stimulation (DBS) may offer transient benefits for some multiple system atrophy patients with levodopa-responsive features. Further investigation is warranted despite current recommendations against DBS for this condition.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Neurosurgery
Background:
- Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is established for Parkinson's disease but not recommended for multiple system atrophy (MSA).
- Limited research exists on DBS efficacy in MSA, though a levodopa-responsive subtype has been identified.
Observation:
- This study examined two pathologically confirmed MSA patients who underwent DBS.
- Clinical diagnoses did not align with neuropathological findings in these cases.
Findings:
- Both patients experienced transient benefits in levodopa-responsive symptoms following DBS.
- Myocardial infarction was the cause of death for both confirmed MSA patients.
Implications:
- DBS might be a viable treatment option for select MSA patients, particularly those with levodopa-responsive features.
- Accurate neuropathological diagnosis is crucial for understanding treatment responses in atypical parkinsonian disorders.
