Single Arm Prospective Multicenter Case Series on the Use of Burst Stimulation to Improve Pain and Motor Symptoms in Parkinson’s Disease

Abstract

Background: In this study we analyze new clinical data in the use of spinal cord stimulation (SCS) for the treatment of pain and motor symptoms in patients with Parkinson’s Disease (PD), as both a singular bioelectric therapy and as a salvage therapy after deep brain stimulation (DBS). Methods: 15 patients were recruited and had percutaneous electrodes implanted at the level of the thoracic or cervical spine. Participants were set to one of three stimulation modes: continuous tonic stimulation, continuous Burst DR stimulation (40Hz, 500Hz, 1000μs), or cycle mode (on time of 10-15 sec, off time of 15-30 sec) with Burst DR (40Hz, 500Hz, 1000μs). Patients completed the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale, Self-Rating Depression Scale, Hamilton Depression Rating Scale, Profile of Mood State, 10-meter walking test, and the Timed Up and Go (TUG). Results: All patients experienced significant improvement in VAS scores. 73% of patients experienced improvement in the 10-meter walk, with a mean improvement of 12%. 82% of patients experienced improvements in the TUG, with a mean improvement of 15%. Conclusions: This study points to the utility of SCS to address both pain and motor symptoms in PD patients who have and have not received DBS therapy.