Radiofrequency Lesions through Deep Brain Stimulation Electrodes in Movement Disorders: Case Report and Review of the Literature

Background: Although there are few reports of radiofrequency lesions performed through deep brain stimulation (DBS) electrodes in patients with movement disorders, experience with this method is scarce. Methods: We present 2 patients who had been previously treated with DBS of subthalamic nuclei (STN) and the ventral intermediate (VIM) nucleus of the thalamus for Parkinson's disease and essential tremor, respectively, and underwent a radiofrequency lesion through their DBS electrodes after developing a hardware infection. The authors conduct a review of the literature regarding this method. Results: Both patients had a good clinical outcome after 20 and 8 months, respectively, as assessed by a reduction in Fahn-Tolosa-Marin Scale and Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale scores. The second patient underwent a second DBS system implantation surgery after his radiofrequency treatment to optimize his management, achieving optimal clinical control with lower current and drug requirements than before the radiofrequency intervention. No adverse effects were observed. Conclusions: Radiofrequency lesions through DBS electrodes allow the creation of small and localized lesions. Its effectiveness and low-risk profile, in addition to its low cost, make this procedure suitable and a possible alternative in the therapeutic repertoire for the surgical treatment of movement disorders.
Stereotact Funct Neurosurg 2017;95:137-141

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