Spinal cord stimulation for gait disturbances in Parkinson's disease

IntroductionGait disturbances are a major contributor to the disability associated with Parkinson's disease. Although pharmacologic therapies and deep brain stimulation improve most motor parkinsonian features, their effects on gait are highly variable. Spinal cord stimulation, typically used for the treatment of chronic pain, has emerged as a potential therapeutic approach to improve gait disturbances in Parkinson's disease.Areas coveredThe authors review the available evidence on the effects of spinal cord stimulation in patients with Parkinson's disease, targeting primarily gait abnormalities. They also discuss possible mechanisms, safety, and methodological implications for future clinical trials. This systematic review of originally published articles in English language was performed using The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA).

Automated summary

Gait disturbances in Parkinson's disease contribute significantly to disability, and the effects of traditional therapies on gait can vary. Spinal cord stimulation, commonly used for chronic pain, has emerged as a potential therapeutic approach for improving gait abnormalities in Parkinson's disease.