Cognitive sequelae of unilateral posteroventral pallidotomy.
OBJECTIVE
To examine the cognitive sequelae of unilateral posteroventral pallidotomy.


METHODS
Single-group pretest and posttest methodologic assessment with baseline evaluation performed 1 to 2 days prior to surgery and follow-up conducted 3 months after pallidotomy.


METHODS
Movement disorder clinic at a university medical center.


METHODS
Fourteen patients (age range, 43-82 years) with Parkinson disease (average disease duration, 7.4 years).


METHODS
Unilateral posteroventral pallidotomy procedures were performed on the right (n=8) and left (n=6) side of the brain.


METHODS
The protocol consisted of a range of neuropsychological instruments sensitive to subcortical dysfunction, including measures of bi-manual coordination, simple-complex reaction time, visual attention, naming, verbal fluency, learning, recognition memory, and problem solving.


RESULTS
No significant deterioration in specific cognitive abilities was observed as a function of the procedure. Patients showed a significant improvement in motor coordination speed for both contralateral and ipsilateral upper extremities.


CONCLUSIONS
Stereotactic unilateral posteroventral pallidotomy is associated with minimal risk of adverse neuropsychological effects or cognitive decline. Additional research is warranted, with an increased sample size and extended follow-up, to assess any potential lateralized effects of the procedure.
Soukup
V M
VM
Department of Neurology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston 77555-0539, USA.
Ingram
F
F
Schiess
M C
MC
Bonnen
J G
JG
Nauta
H J
HJ
Calverley
J R
JR
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003071:Cognition / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D005917:Globus Pallidus / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D010300:Parkinson Disease / Q000601:surgery*; D011379:Prognosis; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales