Neuropsychological outcomes after subthalamic nucleus deep brain stimulation

This multi-centre study, from a number of authoritative US deep brain stimulation (DBS) centres, further adds to the literature suggesting that subthalamic nucleus (STN) DBS does not result in neuropsychological disturbance compared to a non-DBS control group, other than for potential effects on some aspects of verbal performance. For example, depression scores were improved in the DBS group over a 12-month follow-up period. Although verbal symptoms resulted in communication dissatisfaction in the DBS group, there was no overall reduction in quality of life. A strength of this study is the detailed neuropsychological assessment protocol used, suggesting that the results are likely to be robust.