December 2025

NEUROSCIENCES

DEEP BRAIN STIMULATION SHOWN TO DELIVER LONG-TERM SYMPTOM IMPROVEMENT FOR PARKINSON'S DISEASE

Subthalamic nucleus deep brain stimulation (STN-DBS) delivers long-term benefits for patients with moderate-to-advanced Parkinson’s disease (PD), enhancing movement and quality of life, according to new results from the INTREPID trial published in JAMA Neurology. Joshua M. Rosenow, MD, of Northwestern Medicine Neurosurgery as well as Cindy Zadikoff, MD and Leonard Verhagen Metman, MD, of Northwestern Medicine Neurology were co-authors of the study.
 
Key takeaways
Researchers concluded that STN-DBS offers significant long-term motor benefits, enhancing quality of life while reducing medication needs and improving daily activities over several years.
 
Though benefits slightly declined due to the progressive nature of PD, significant improvements in motor function and daily activities were sustained over a five-year period. The use of anti-parkinsonian medication also remained reduced.
 
Study design
The randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled trial was conducted at 23 movement disorder centers across the U.S. and involved 191 patients with advanced PD, all receiving either active STN-DBS or a sham procedure. After 12 weeks, participants transitioned to active treatment for up to five years, and 137 completed the follow up.
 
Study results
Results showed a 36% improvement in motor function and 22% in daily living activities at five years. Dyskinesia scores dropped 70%, and medication usage decreased by 28%, maintaining symptom control and reducing drug complications.
 
Reported adverse events were consistent with previous studies, including some infections and deaths unrelated to DBS. Patient satisfaction remained high at 94%.
 
Read the full study >
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Joshua M. Rosenow, MD, Professor of Neurological Surgery, Neurology, and Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at Northwestern Medicine
Cindy Zadikoff, MD, Adjunct Lecturer of Movement Disorders at Northwestern Medicine
​Leonard Verhagen Metman, MD, Professor of Movement Disorders and of Neurological Surgery at Northwestern Medicine

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