Journal of neurology
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The cardinal motor manifestation of Parkinson's disease (PD) is being treated with greater and greater efficacy with both newer medications as well as both subthalamic nucleus (STN) and globus pallidus internus (GPI) deep brain stimulation (DBS). The burden of disease is shifting towards the non-dopaminergic disease manifestations including gait and posture. Based on evidence in the literature and in animal models, recent trials are underway to examine the effects of pedunculopontine nucleus DBS on the treatment of parkinsonian gait disorder. We review the rationale behind this treatment and the status of the current trials.