Objective: This study evaluated one-year outcomes of Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) in a cohort of patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD) who underwent deep brain stimulation (DBS) at globus pallidus interna (GPi).
Background: Parkinson’s disease is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by motor and non-motor symptoms, including sleep disorders. Restless legs syndrome is a sleep disorder characterized by a strong, irresistible urge to move one’s legs, affecting approximately 20% of patients with Parkinson’s disease. DBS is used to treat motor fluctuations associated with PD, however, little is known about the effect of DBS on non-motor symptoms such as RLS.
Method:
Patients with Parkinson’s disease who underwent GPi DBS surgery were administered an International Restless Legs Syndrome Study Group (IRLSSG) survey at baseline and 12 months postoperatively to assess the presence and severity of RLS symptoms. The impact of levodopa equivalent daily dose on RLS scores was also assessed. All results were analyzed with a paired t-test.
Results:
Out of 12 patients, five were found to have RLS at baseline. Six patients without RLS at baseline did not develop symptoms at 12 months. There was no significant change in the one-year IRLS scores of the entire cohort after DBS (p=0.78). Of those with RLS at baseline, scores showed no significant change 12 months after DBS (p=0.79). Levodopa equivalent daily dose did not significantly change from baseline to one year for the entire cohort (p=0.62) or the RLS-only group (p=0.59).
Conclusion: This study suggests that there is no significant effect on restless legs syndrome in patients who received GPi DBS. However, five patients experienced fluctuations in IRLS scores between baseline and 12 months, suggesting that the interaction between DBS and medications may have an influence on the results. A larger cohort study is needed to evaluate the interactions between DBS, medications, and non-motor symptoms of Parkinson’s disease.
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To cite this abstract in AMA style:
A. Mahes, A. Wiltshire, M. San Luciano, S. Wang, J. Zuzuarregui. Globus pallidus interna deep brain stimulation for Parkinson’s Disease: Impact on Restless Legs Syndrome [abstract]. Mov Disord. 2025; 40 (suppl 1). https://www.mdsabstracts.org/abstract/globus-pallidus-interna-deep-brain-stimulation-for-parkinsons-disease-impact-on-restless-legs-syndrome-2/. Accessed October 5, 2025.« Back to 2025 International Congress
MDS Abstracts - https://www.mdsabstracts.org/abstract/globus-pallidus-interna-deep-brain-stimulation-for-parkinsons-disease-impact-on-restless-legs-syndrome-2/