Spinal cord stimulation for treatment of advanced Parkinson disease

Aim. This is a report of a novel approach for treating patients with Parkinson disease who have failed to respond satisfactorily to medical therapy utilizing minimally invasive spinal cord stimulation (SCS).

Material and methods. A 75-year old patient with 10- year history of Parkinson disease and intractable dyskinesias in upper extremities underwent an uneventful SCS trial with percutaneous placement of two temporary eight-electrode leads (Medtronic Inc, Minneapolis, MN) placed to the level C3–C4–C5–C6 for SCS.

Results. The patient experienced complete disappearance of dyskinesias and dystonia in both arms and legs after start of SCS trial, the patient was implanted with permanent leads and rechargeable generator two weeks later and reported sustained control of dyskinesias and dystonia at twelve month follow up visit.

Conclusions. SCS offers an alternative treatment option for the patients with debilitating symptoms of advanced Parkinson disease who choose not to use more invasive surgical interventions.