Investigation of deep brain stimulation surgery early term results of gait characteristics on Parkinson's disease: Case report

Abstract

Objective: This study was carried out to examine the effect of the Subthalamic nucleus deep brain stimulation (STN-DBS) surgery on the characteristics of the gait. Background: Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is an effective technique for treating Parkinson's disease (PD) and other movement disorders (essential tremor, etc.). The STN is the most common target for clinical treatment using DBS (1,2). STN-DBS has been established as a safe and has acquired a relevant role in the treatment of PD in the middle and advanced stages (1,2,3). Methods: This study was conducted on 67 year-old man 3 years with Parkinson's disease and STN-DBS surgery. The gait parameters were evaluated by using foot print method. 6 Meter Walking Test was used to evaluate for walking speed rate. All assessments were made after surgery, before the battery is turned on and the battery is turned on after 12 hours. Results: After opening the battery step length and stride length increased, the patient has been walking the same distance with less number of steps. The step length was 34.5 cm before the battery opening, after the battery opening increased to 45.5 cm. The step width didn't change unlike the first assessment. The number of steps per minute and cadence were reduced. 6- m walking speed test was 5.57 seconds at the before opening the battery, 6 .98 seconds was recorded at after the opening. Conclusions: Surgical treatment of Parkinson's disease, which STN-DBS is an effective treatment to improve gait ability.