Objective: This study evaluated two-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 24 months postoperatively to assess the presence and severity of RLS symptoms. The overall change of levodopa equivalent daily dose was also assessed. All results were analyzed with a paired t-test.
Results: Thirteen patients completed surveys at the two-year mark. Seven had RLS at baseline. One patient without RLS at baseline developed symptoms at 12 months. There was no significant change in the IRLS scores of the entire cohort (p=0.97) or those with RLS (p=0.97) two years after DBS. Levodopa equivalent daily dose did not significantly change from baseline to two years for the entire cohort (p=0.99) or the RLS-only group (p=0.46).
Conclusion: This study suggests that there is no significant effect on restless legs syndrome in patients with PD who received GPi DBS. However, seven patients experienced fluctuations in IRLS scores greater than 5 points between baseline and two years, suggesting that the interaction between RLS, DBS and medications is complex. A larger cohort study is needed to understand if DBS has any impact on RLS in Parkinson’s disease.
To cite this abstract in AMA style:
J. Zuzuarregui, A. Mahes, A. Wiltshire, S. Wang, M. San Luciano. Two-year Outcomes of Restless Legs Syndrome Following Globus Pallidus Interna Deep Brain Stimulation for Parkinson’s Disease [abstract]. Mov Disord. 2026; 41 (suppl 1). https://www.mdsabstracts.org/abstract/two-year-outcomes-of-restless-legs-syndrome-following-globus-pallidus-interna-deep-brain-stimulation-for-parkinsons-disease/. Accessed October 1, 2026.« Back to 2026 International Congress
MDS Abstracts - https://www.mdsabstracts.org/abstract/two-year-outcomes-of-restless-legs-syndrome-following-globus-pallidus-interna-deep-brain-stimulation-for-parkinsons-disease/