Difference in the effectiveness of subthalamic nucleus and globus pallidus deep brain stimulation in Parkinson’s disease

Abstract

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is regarded as a feasible Parkinson’s disease (PD) treatment option. The subthalamic nucleus (STN) and globus pallidus (GPi) are the two most common sites for DBS. The following criteria were used to select studies that examined the Unified PD Rating Scale (UPDRS) III: (1) had at least three months of follow-up; (2) compared both GPi and STN-DBS; (3) each group included at least five individuals; (4) were conducted after 2010. The majority of studies found no statistically significant difference in UPDRS score improvements between groups. Although there were some encouraging findings in terms of action tremor, rigidity, and urinary symptoms, indicating that STN-DBS would be a better alternative, GPi appeared to be better in terms of side effects; nonetheless, it cannot be said that it is superior. Other larger randomized clinical trials with longer follow-up periods and control groups are required to determine which target is more effective for stimulation and has fewer negative side effects on patients.

Keywords: Deep brain stimulation, globus pallidus, Parkinson’s disease, subthalamic nucleus, UPDRS