Parkinson’s disease
The subthalamic nucleus and the globus pallidus are two locations in the brain that are targeted in the DBS procedure. Certain symptoms of Parkinson’s disease can be reduced when these two areas are turned “off” by the stimulator. These include tremor, rigidity, slowness of movement, difficulty walking, and “freezing,” as well as extra movements or dyskinesia that are medication side effects. The amount of daily “on” time in which the Parkinson’s symptoms are better controlled can be increased as well.
The best marker of whether or not people with Parkinson’s disease will benefit from DBS is how well they respond to levodopa, an active ingredient in the drug Sinemetâ"¢ or carbidopa/levodopa.