Parkinson's Parkinson's Surgery and Advanced Therapies

Question 1

What is the most widely used surgical treatment for Parkinson's disease?

Accepted Answer

Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS)

Answer

Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) is the most widely used surgical treatment for Parkinson's disease, offering adjustable and reversible therapy through implanted electrodes.

Question 2

Which brain structure is most commonly targeted in DBS surgery for Parkinson's disease to address motor symptoms?

Accepted Answer

Subthalamic nucleus (STN)

Answer

The subthalamic nucleus (STN) is the most commonly targeted structure in DBS for Parkinson's disease, effectively reducing motor fluctuations and tremor.

Question 3

DBS therapy requires the surgical implantation of which set of components?

Accepted Answer

Electrodes, extension wires, and an implanted pulse generator

Answer

DBS requires three implanted components: electrodes placed in the brain, extension wires running under the skin, and an implanted pulse generator (IPG) usually placed in the chest.

Question 4

Which Parkinson's symptom typically shows the LEAST improvement with DBS of the subthalamic nucleus?

Accepted Answer

Postural instability and gait freezing

Answer

Postural instability and gait freezing (axial symptoms) respond least well to STN DBS because these symptoms are often levodopa-unresponsive and mediated by non-dopaminergic pathways.

Question 5

A key requirement for DBS candidacy in Parkinson's disease is demonstrating which of the following?

Accepted Answer

A good motor response to levodopa

Answer

A positive response to levodopa is a critical predictor of DBS success, since DBS generally controls the same motor symptoms that respond to dopaminergic medication.

Parkinson's Practice Test

Parkinson's Practice Test

Parkinson's Parkinson's Surgery and Advanced Therapies