Deep brain stimulation (DBS) of the subthalamic nucleus (STN) is an indispensable and effective surgery for patients with primary Parkinson’s disease (PD). Nonetheless, its postoperative effects can be decided by many factors including the optimal programmed stimulation parameters. In this study, we analyzed the correlation between different postoperative programmed stimulation parameters and their efficacy after STN–DBS electrode implantation in patients with PD.

A total of 87 patients underwent electrode implantation and completed at least one year follow-up. Then, various combinations of stimulation parameters, including stimulus intensity, frequency, and pulse width, were examined for their effects on the clinical improvement of the patients. Improvements in motor and nonmotor symptoms were analyzed using Mini-Mental State Examination, Parkinson’s Disease Quality of Life Questionnaire-39, and Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) scores before and after surgery.

We found significantly improved UPDRS scores, quality of life, and neuropsychiatric symptoms postoperatively considering the findings of the aforementioned stimulation parameters compared with those observed preoperatively.

This study provides a better understanding on how programmed stimulation parameters help relieve PD symptoms and improve quality of life in patients with PD undergoing STN–DBS.