High frequency deep brain stimulation of the subthalamic nucleus versus continuous subcutaneous apomorphine infusion therapy: a review

Several therapeutic options are available for the treatment of advanced Parkinson’s disease, including several surgical possibilities such as lesioning and deep brain stimulation, but also several medical options, including classical ongoing levodopa administration or continuous subcutaneous infusion of apomorphine. Choice depends on the expectations of the patient, the patient’s general health condition and the experience and preferences of the neurosurgical and neurologist team. In this review, the authors discuss their experience of deep brain stimulation of the subthalamic nucleus, based on a population of 400 patients with advanced Parkinson’s disease, and compare the advantages and disadvantages of deep brain stimulation to non-surgical options such as continuous subcutaneous apomorphine infusion.