Modulation of dysarthropneumophonia by low-frequency STN DBS in advanced Parkinson's disease.
Résumé
Background : Parkinsonian dysarthria is typically characterized by hypophonia, monotony of pitch and rhythm abnormalities and is often accompanied by gait disturbances. The long-term benefit of subthalamic nucleus deep brain stimulation (STNDBS) on dysarthria remains unclear. Methods :Given the improvements seen with gait disorders, we analyzed speech intelligibility, aerodynamic and acoustic parameters in 11 advanced PD patients in three double-blind, randomized conditions: "Worst Off", 60 Hz STNDBS and 130 Hz STNDBS. Results : Improvement of aerodynamic speech parameters under 60 Hz STNDBS was concomitant with significant clinical benefit. Conclusion: Our results suggest that chronic treatment with low frequency STNDBS parameters may have a beneficial impact on dysarthropneumophonia, even in advanced PD patients.