Objective: Deep brain stimulation (DBS) of the subthalamic nucleus is an effective treatment in advanced stages of Parkinson's disease. However, approximately 5% of patients might develop apraxia of eyelid opening after DBS of the subthalamic nucleus. We provide data on a new noninvasive treatment approach to this adverse event.
Clinical presentation: We report 2 patients who acquired apraxia of eyelid opening after DBS. This adverse event was relieved by changing the stimulation parameters.
Intervention: The stimulation frequency was increased from 100 Hz to 180 Hz in 1 patient and 160 Hz in the other, resulting in a total relief of symptoms.
Conclusion: Increasing stimulation frequency may be beneficial in apraxia of eyelid opening acquired after DBS of the subthalamic nucleus.