Modulation of dysarthropneumophonia by low-frequency STN DBS in advanced Parkinson's disease.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Parkinsonian dysarthria (as typically characterized by hypophonia, monotony of pitch, and rhythm abnormalities) is often accompanied by gait disturbances. The long-term effect of subthalamic nucleus deep brain stimulation (STN DBS) on dysarthria remains unclear.

METHODS:

Given STN DBS's known improvement of gait disorders, we analyzed speech intelligibility and aerodynamic and acoustic parameters in 11 advanced PD patients in three double-blind, randomized conditions: "defined Off," 60 Hz STN DBS and 130 Hz STN DBS.

RESULTS:

An improvement in aerodynamic speech parameters during 60 Hz STN DBS was accompanied by significant clinical benefit.

CONCLUSIONS:

Chronic treatment with low-frequency STN DBS may have a beneficial impact on dysarthropneumophonia, even in advanced PD patients.

• Authors: Caroline Moreau, Odile Pennel-Ployart, Serge Pinto, Audrey Plachez, Agnes Annic, François Viallet, Alain Destée, Luc Defebvre
• Journal: Movement disorders : official journal of the Movement Disorder Society (Mov Disord) Vol. 26 Issue 4 Pg. 659-63 (Mar 2011) ISSN: 1531-8257 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 21506146 (Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Journal Article)
• Copyright: Copyright © 2011 Movement Disorder Society.

Topics

• Aged
• Deep Brain Stimulation (methods)
• Disability Evaluation
• Female
• Humans
• Male
• Parkinson Disease (complications, therapy)
• Severity of Illness Index
• Speech Disorders (etiology, therapy)
• Subthalamic Nucleus (physiology)
• Voice Disorders (etiology, therapy)