Spinal Cord Stimulation for the Treatment of Motor and Nonmotor Symptoms of Parkinson's Disease

Although DBS improves patient's quality of life advanced Parkinson's patients (PD) by addressing the cardinal symptoms and reducing levodopa motor complications, symptoms still worsen over time. Postural problems, frequent falls, freezing of gait impairment and other locomotion difficulties still remain as important causes of disability and incapacity. Novel therapeutics approaches are needed to restore quality of life (QoL). This study aims to explore the effects of spinal cord stimulation in locomotion, falls and freezing of gait in advanced PD patients. Twenty PD patients will undergo thoracic spinal cord stimulation at high frequencies in a prospective study for six months. Changes in locomotion capacity and freezing of gait rating will be the primary out come. Secondary outcomes will be: QoL and common motor outcome measures in PD patients. Always comparing the status before, one, three and six months after stimulation was initiated. A double blind trial will be performed within three months of follow up (high X low frequency stimulation).