A 55-year-old man with Parkinson's disease on levodopa/carbidopa develops dyskinesias and wearing-off phenomenon. Which deep brain stimulation (DBS) target is the most commonly used and proven effective for motor fluctuations in PD?
- A Subthalamic nucleus (STN) ✓
- B Globus pallidus pars interna (GPi)
- C Ventral intermediate nucleus of thalamus (Vim)
- D Pedunculopontine nucleus (PPN)
Correct answer: A. Subthalamic nucleus (STN)
Explanation
Subthalamic nucleus (STN) DBS is the most widely used target for advanced PD with motor fluctuations and dyskinesias, as it reduces levodopa requirements (allowing dose reduction which itself reduces dyskinesias) while improving 'on' time. GPi DBS also effectively controls dyskinesias but does not reduce medication requirement as reliably. Vim DBS is used for essential tremor. PPN is experimental for gait/freezing.
Reference: Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 21st ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.