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Inclusion criteria for BILATERAL DBS STN:

-    Advanced Parkinson's disease
-    Initially good response to levodopa, followed by poorer response and
side effects such as motor             fluctuations and dyskinesias.
-    Gait disturbances and freezing.
-    All other symptoms may be present, including tremor.

Exclusion criteria:
-    dementia as shown clinically or by means of a neuropsychological test
-    psychiatric disorders, not related to anti-Parkinson medication
-    systemic disorders, like cardiac failure, severe hypertension, lung
disease etc.
-    abnormal MRI scan, but small white matter changes and some atrophy
accepted
-    wheelchair bound or bedridden while "on"
-    bleeding disorders

Aspirine should be withdrawn at least 10 days before surgery.
Definition of advanced Parkinson's disease may be choosen somewhat
arbitrarely. For example, patients who are still working may be quite well
when at home and while visiting the neurologist, but while working under
stress may exhibit side effects or poorer response to anti-Parkinson meds.
These patients may, by having STN surgery, be able to go back to work.
A small percentage of patients may not tolerate levodopa and dopamine
agonists even though the clinical response may be excellent. Although these
patients are in an earlier stage of the disease, they may be perfect
candidates for STN surgery.
STN surgery always bilateral. When having surgery, the parameters of
stimulation and the anti-Parkisnon medication should be adjusted while in
the hospital, so a hospital stay of at least 10 days after operation is
recommended.
Only have surgery in experienced centers with a neurosurgeon experienced
with the stereotactic technique and the presence of a movement disorder
specialist.

For any further info please don't hesitate to contact me.

Best regards,

Chris van der Linden, M.D.