Does dopamine still have a leading role in advanced Parkinson's disease after subthalamic stimulation?

Author(s): Jabre M, Nohra G, Damier P, Bejjani BP

Affiliation(s): Parkinson, Memory and Movement Disorders Center, Notre Dame des Secours Hospital, Byblos/Jbail, Lebanon.

Publication date & source: 2008, Stereotact Funct Neurosurg., 86(3):184-6. Epub 2008 Apr 18.

Publication type: Case Reports

The role of endogenous dopamine in severe Parkinson's disease is often underestimated. We report on a case of acute general motor worsening induced by the ingestion of fluphenazine in a parkinsonian patient successfully treated with STN DBS. Other etiologies were ruled out. Clinical improvement was gradual and fully reversible 4 days after discontinuation of the antidopaminergic drug. We suggest that residual striatal and extrastriatal dopaminergic pathways still play a paramount role in mediating central neurotrasmissions that may take part in STN DBS's mechanism of action. 2008 S. Karger AG, Basel.