Deep brain stimulation of subthalamic nucleus: behavioural modifications and familiar relations

The present study investigated behavioural modifications and familiar relat ions in a group of 15 parkinsonian patients treated with bilateral deep bra in stimulation of the subthalamic nucleus. In 70% of the patients, during t he first months after surgery we observed a euphoric mood owing to motor si gns amelioration, but a series of problems (fear to come back to the pre-op erative condition, sense of failure, slowness in changing the old habits) a rose when it was necessary to adjust the parameters of stimulation and the pharmacological therapy to obtain a stable clinical picture. The caregivers showed an aggressive behaviour as reaction to the persistent psychological dependence of the patients. This distressed condition could be the cause o f the onset of incomprehensions within the couple.