Patient selection criteria for DBS
This section will detail the patient selection criteria for Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS).
- Diagnosis of Parkinson's Disease (PD)
- Idiopathic Parkinson's Disease (not atypical parkinsonism)
- Presence of motor fluctuations or medication-refractory tremor
- Significant disability despite optimal medical therapy
- Responsiveness to levodopa (a positive levodopa challenge)
- Reasonable expectations regarding the outcomes of DBS surgery
- Absence of contraindications (see below)
Contraindications may include:
- Severe psychiatric disorders
- Uncontrolled medical conditions
- Dementia or significant cognitive impairment
- Active substance abuse
- Structural brain abnormalities that would preclude surgery