Pearls in patient selection for deep brain stimulation.
BACKGROUND
Deep brain stimulation (DBS) has emerged as an important treatment for medication refractory movement and neuropsychiatric disorders. General neurologists and even general practitioners may be called upon to screen potential candidates for DBS. The patient selection process plays an important role in this procedure.


RESULTS
In this article, we discuss "pearls" for the clinician who may be called upon to identify appropriate candidates for DBS. Additionally, we will discuss the important points that should be considered when referring patients for surgical intervention.


CONCLUSIONS
Diagnosis, response to levodopa, cognitive status, psychiatric status, access to care, and patient expectations are all essential elements of the patient selection process for DBS. These areas must be adequately addressed prior to any surgical procedure.
Rodriguez
Ramon L
RL
Department of Neurology, University of Florida Movement Disorders Center, McKnight Brain Institute, Gainesville, Florida, USA. ramon.rodriguez@neurology.ufl.edu
Fernandez
Hubert H
HH
Haq
Ihtsham
I
Okun
Michael S
MS
D000367:Age Factors; D000978:Antiparkinson Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003071:Cognition / Q000502:physiology; D046690:Deep Brain Stimulation; D004351:Drug Resistance; D004421:Dystonia / Q000628:therapy; D020329:Essential Tremor / Q000628:therapy; D007839:Functional Laterality; D006801:Humans; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology; D009069:Movement Disorders / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy*; D009422:Nervous System Diseases / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy*; D010300:Parkinson Disease / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000628:therapy; D010348:Patient Care Team; D018579:Patient Selection
D000978:Antiparkinson Agents