On Jan. 14, 1995, Patricia Limousin and colleagues demonstrated the role of the subthalamic nucleus (STN) in the pathophysiology of Parkinson’s disease in humans. Their study “Effect on parkinsonian signs and symptoms of bilateral subthalamic nucleus stimulation” was published in The Lancet.

In monkeys rendered parkinsonian, lesions and electrical stimulation of the subthalamic nucleus reduce all major motor disturbances. The effect of electrical stimulation of the subthalamic nucleus was assessed in three patients with disabling akinetic-rigid Parkinson’s disease and severe motor fluctuations. Quadripolar electrodes connected to a pulse generator were implanted in the subthalamic nuclei on both sides.

Patients were evaluated with the unified Parkinson’s disease rating scale and timed motor tests. 3 months after surgery, activities of daily living scores had improved by 58-88% and motor scores by 42-84%. This improvement was maintained for up to 8 months in the first patient operated upon.

One patient was confused for 2 weeks after surgery, and another developed neuropsychological impairment related to a thalamic infarction which improved over 3 months. In one patient, stimulation could induce ballism that was stopped by reduction of stimulation.

This was the first demonstration in human beings of the part played by the subthalamic nuclei in the pathophysiology of Parkinson’s disease.