[Continuous subthalamic neurostimulation in Parkinson's disease. Indications and modalities].
AN ALTERNATIVE TO SUBSTITUTE THERAPY: For more than ten years, there has been renewed interest in the surgical treatment of Parkinson's disease; notably in the stimulation of the sub-thalamic nucleus (STN).


METHODS
Subthalamic neurostimulation is suitable for patients severely disabled by idiopathic Parkinson's disease despite optimal medical treatment, but sensitive to L-dopa, without cognitive or psychiatric disorders and axial symptoms.


CONCLUSIONS
The strict respect of the selection criteria and accurate electrode placement lead to major improvement in the Parkinsonian symptoms and the patients' quality of life. There is, however, a risk of postoperative complications, notably psychiatric which may require referral to a specialist.
D004298:Dopamine / Q000502:physiology; D004599:Electric Stimulation Therapy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D004567:Electrodes, Implanted; D004745:Enkephalins / Q000502:physiology; D018698:Glutamic Acid / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D010300:Parkinson Disease / Q000378:metabolism / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D018579:Patient Selection; D019990:Perioperative Care / Q000379:methods; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D012307:Risk Factors; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D013238:Stereotaxic Techniques / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000295:instrumentation; D013373:Substance P / Q000502:physiology; D020531:Subthalamic Nucleus / Q000378:metabolism / Q000503:physiopathology; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D005680:gamma-Aminobutyric Acid / Q000502:physiology
D004745:Enkephalins; D013373:Substance P; D018698:Glutamic Acid; D005680:gamma-Aminobutyric Acid; D004298:Dopamine