Gait changes after deep brain stimulation for Parkinson's disease in a patient with cervical myelopathy

NeuroRehabilitation. 2008;23(3):263-5.

Abstract

Subthalamic (STN) deep brain stimulation (DBS) is an effective treatment for advanced Parkinson's disease. We present a patient with significant gait problems due to Parkinson's disease (PD) who underwent STN DBS. Gait worsened after surgery despite significant improvement in parkinsonian signs, due to underlying spasticity previously overshadowed by his parkinsonian motor symptoms. This case illustrates an emergence of dysfunction in gait in a patient with otherwise improved function and reinforces the need for an interdisciplinary approach to care of these patients.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Cervical Vertebrae
  • Comorbidity
  • Deep Brain Stimulation*
  • Disease Progression
  • Dominance, Cerebral / physiology
  • Gait Disorders, Neurologic / diagnosis
  • Gait Disorders, Neurologic / etiology
  • Gait Disorders, Neurologic / rehabilitation*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Neurologic Examination
  • Parkinson Disease / physiopathology
  • Parkinson Disease / rehabilitation*
  • Spinal Cord Injuries / complications
  • Spinal Cord Injuries / diagnosis
  • Spinal Cord Injuries / rehabilitation*
  • Subthalamic Nucleus / physiopathology