Modulation of Dysarthropneumophonia by Low-Frequency STN DBS in Advanced Parkinson's Disease

Background: Parkinsonian dysarthria (as typically characterized by hypophonia, monotony of pitch, and rhythm abnormalities) is often accompanied by gait disturbances. The long-term effect of subthalamic nucleus deep brain stimulation (STN DBS) on dysarthria remains unclear. Methods: Given STN DBS's known improvement of gait disorders, we analyzed speech intelligibility and aerodynamic and acoustic parameters in 11 advanced PD patients in three double-blind, randomized conditions: defined Off,'' 60 Hz STN DBS and 130 Hz STN DBS. Results: An improvement in aerodynamic speech parameters during 60 Hz STN DBS was accompanied by significant clinical benefit. Conclusions: Chronic treatment with low-frequency STN DBS may have a beneficial impact on dysarthropneumophonia, even in advanced PD patients. (C) 2011 Movement Disorder Society