Effect of stimulation in the ventral intermediate nucleus of the thalamus on limb control in Parkinson's disease: A case study

K. D. Pfann*, R. D. Penn, K. M. Shannon, M. B. Shapiro, D. M. Corcos

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

8 Scopus citations

Abstract

This study focuses on upper extremity strength and movement control in a patient with Parkinson's disease who had stimulating electrodes surgically implanted in the ventral intermediate nucleus (VIM) of the left thalamus. We examined torque generation and control of movement distance in single degree-of-freedom elbow movements under three different stimulation conditions: (a) no stimulation, (b) high stimulation, in which tremor was minimized but there was also tingling and perceived weakness, and (c) moderate stimulation, in which tremor was partially reduced, but there was also a subjective sense of increased strength compared with the high-stimulation condition. The patient's ability to generate both steady torque and rapid movements was poorest with no stimulation. The patient generated the largest torques with moderate stimulation and performed the fastest movements with high stimulation. However, even with tremor minimized, the patient's electromyogram (EMG) burst patterns were not typical of those of neurologically healthy subjects, although the movements were clearly improved.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)311-316
Number of pages6
JournalMovement Disorders
Volume11
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - 1996

Keywords

  • Electromyography
  • Motor control
  • Parkinson's disease
  • Thalamotomy
  • Tremor
  • Ventral intermediate nucleus stimulation

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Clinical Neurology
  • Neurology

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