Increase of frequency in deep brain stimulation relieves apraxia of eyelid opening in patients with Parkinson's disease: case report.

Abstract

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) of the subthalamic nucleus is an effective treatment in advanced stages of Parkinson's disease. However, approximately 5% of patients might develop apraxia of eyelid opening after DBS of the subthalamic nucleus. We provide data on a new noninvasive treatment approach to this adverse event. We report 2 patients who acquired apraxia of eyelid opening after DBS. This adverse event was relieved by changing the stimulation parameters. The stimulation frequency was increased from 100 Hz to 180 Hz in 1 patient and 160 Hz in the other, resulting in a total relief of symptoms. Increasing stimulation frequency may be beneficial in apraxia of eyelid opening acquired after DBS of the subthalamic nucleus.