Bilateral subthalamic stimulation effects on oral force control in Parkinson’s disease
Pinto, S., Gentil, M., Fraix, V., Benabid, A.L., & Pollak, P. (2003) Bilateral subthalamic stimulation effects on oral force control in Parkinson’s disease , 250, 179-187
This study examined the effects of DBS-STN on articulatory forces of the lips and tongue. The authors note that although clinician-assessed speech may decline following DBS-STN, a detailed electrophysiological examination of oral control may be more sensitive to the impact DBS-STN has on oral motor control. In a sample of 26 DBS-STN patients, this study found that while on stimulation, improvement in the initiation, speed, and strength of throat movements was found. These findings help clear up the nature of akinetic (no voluntary motions) symptoms as they relate to speech functioning and suggest that subtle improvements in oral motor control can occur during STN stimulation.