Influence of deep brain stimulation and levodopa on signs and symptoms in Parkinson's disease

Purpose: To examine sensory symptoms in Parkinson's disease (PD) and elucidate the effect of levodopa and deep brain stimulation of the subthalamic nucleus (STN-DBS) on sensory signs and symptoms. Methods: 17 PD patients were included. All were asked for presence of sensory symptoms. Effect of levodopa and STN-DBS on sensory signs and symptoms was investigated with quantitative sensory testing (QST) six months after bilateral implantation of STN-electrodes. Additionally, in 12 of the patients presence of sensory symptoms prior and after STN-DBS was compared. Results: Pain in PD was most frequently nociceptive. I…