Low-frequency DBS Improves Parkinson’s Symptoms

According to a new study published in the journal Neurology, Parkinson’s disease patients treated with low-frequency deep brain stimulation (DBS) show significant improvements in swallowing dysfunction and freezing of gait compared to the typical high-frequency treatment. The study provides a new route for treating Parkinson’s patients with these difficult-to-treat and sometimes life-threatening symptoms. DBS is often the major treatment that alleviates symptoms of Parkinson’s disease that cannot be adequately controlled by medications. Route DBS typically uses high-frequency 130Hz impulse; however, this has been ineffective at improving swallowing issues and freezing of gait, symptoms which can lead to disability and mortality in Parkinson’s patients. The research team found that 60Hz stimulation reduced airway aspiration issues by 57 percent and swallowing difficulty by 80 percent, as well as significantly reduced freezing of gait and axial symptoms, when compared to 130Hz stimulation. Patients continued on 60Hz treatment and benefits persisted when assessed six weeks later. To read more about this study, click here.