Journal of neurology
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Journal of neurology · Feb 2019
Review Meta AnalysisSubthalamic deep brain stimulation and levodopa in Parkinson's disease: a meta-analysis of combined effects.
While subthalamic nucleus deep brain stimulation (STN-DBS) and levodopa improve motor symptoms in Parkinson disease (PD) to a similar magnitude, their combined effect remains unclear. We sought to evaluate whether STN-DBS and levodopa yield differential effects on motor outcomes, dyskinesia, and activities of daily living (ADL) when combined compared to when administered alone. ⋯ Subthalamic nucleus deep brain stimulation and levodopa independently lessened motor severity in PD to a similar magnitude, but their combined effect was greater than either treatment alone, suggesting therapeutic synergism.