Deep Brain Stimulation Effects on Gait and Balance in Patients With Parkinson's Disease

Deep Brain Stimulation Effects on Gait and Balance in Patients With Parkinson's Disease

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effect of Deep Brain stimulation (DBS) on walking in patients with Parkinson's disease that have had DBS. While DBS improves Parkinson's disease (PD) symptoms and walking in many patients in some of the patients walking problems persist. This study aims to find out what are the best stimulation parameters of the DBS in order to improve walking.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patients with idiopathic Parkinson's disease stage 1-3 that underwent subthalamic nucleus (STN) Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) and have walking difficulties 6-12 months after DBS.
• On stable dose of dopaminergic drugs
• Age 45-70 years of age

Exclusion Criteria:

• Past medical history of seizures
• Renal insufficiency
• Cardiac arrhythmia
• Severe arthritis
• Women of childbearing potential
• Dementia
• Less than 45 years of age or older than 70 years of age