Aim: To report the results obtained with the extradural motor cortex stimulation in Parkinson's disease.
Methods: Three patients were submitted to MRI images and functional MRI in order to identify the upper limb motor area. Then a quadripolar electrostimulator was introduced in the extradural space, through 2 burr holes.
Results: Unilateral, extradural motor cortex stimulation relieves, at least partially, but sometime dramatically, the whole spectrum of symptoms in advanced Parkinson disease: tremor and rigor bilaterally in all limbs; akinesia; standing, anteropulsion, gait; motor performance; dysphagia; speech and swallowing. Also the symptoms of long term dopa syndrome--dyskinesias, and other secondary effect of L-dopa administration, psychiatric symptoms--are improved.
Conclusion: The results seems do not fade away with time. Drug dosage may be reduced by 50%. We suggest early employ of transdural motor cortex stimulation.