Category: Parkinson's Disease: Surgical Therapy
Objective: To compare subthalamic nucleus (STN) and globus pallidus internus (GPi) deep brain stimulation targets in Parkinson’s disease (PD) regarding demographic characteristics, preoperative cognitive profile, programming dynamics, energy consumption, and device-related outcomes.
Background: Deep brain stimulation is an established therapy for advanced PD. Target selection between STN and GPi is individualized and may be influenced by motor and cognitive factors, yet data on long-term programming and energy requirements remain limited.
Method: Fifty-five PD patients who underwent DBS implantation were retrospectively analyzed (STN n=46; GPi n=9). Demographics, disease duration, baseline levodopa equivalent daily dose (LEDD), neuropsychological scores, and stimulation parameters (amplitude, pulse width, frequency, impedance) were evaluated. Follow-up visits, battery outcomes, adverse effects, and energy consumption were also assessed. Correlation analyses examined factors associated with energy use.
Results: GPi patients were older than STN patients (p=0.003) and had lower preoperative global cognition scores (p=0.047). Executive function, memory, and verbal fluency did not differ between groups. Baseline LEDD and disease duration were similar. Stimulation amplitude increased over time in both targets (p<0.001) and correlated with follow-up duration (r=0.703). The STN group showed numerically higher follow-up visit frequency, greater impedance variability, and higher annual energy consumption. Battery revision rate was 7.2% with no clear difference between targets. Adverse event profiles were comparable
Conclusion: STN and GPi DBS targets show similar long-term stimulation parameters and device outcomes. Greater programming variability and follow-up burden in STN highlight the importance of considering long-term device management during target selection. Individualized programming strategies may improve long-term energy efficiency
To cite this abstract in AMA style:
H. ömercikoğlu özden, Eç. Hayırlıoğlu, SD. özgüç, D. Günal. Clinical and Programming Parameter Comparison of STN and GPi Deep Brain Stimulation Targets in Parkinson’s Disease [abstract]. Mov Disord. 2026; 41 (suppl 1). https://www.mdsabstracts.org/abstract/clinical-and-programming-parameter-comparison-of-stn-and-gpi-deep-brain-stimulation-targets-in-parkinsons-disease/. Accessed October 1, 2026.« Back to 2026 International Congress
MDS Abstracts - https://www.mdsabstracts.org/abstract/clinical-and-programming-parameter-comparison-of-stn-and-gpi-deep-brain-stimulation-targets-in-parkinsons-disease/