Botulinum Toxin and Deep Brain Stimulation in Dystonia.

Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) is a recognized treatment for different dystonia subtypes and has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) since 2003. The European Federation of Neurological Societies (EFNS) and the International Parkinson and Movement Disorders Society (MDS) recommend DBS for dystonia after failure of botulinum toxin (BoNT) and other oral medications for dystonia treatment. In addition, several long-term studies have demonstrated the continuous efficacy of DBS on motor and quality of life (QoL) scores. However, there are only a few reports comparing the overall impact of surgical treatment in BoNT protocols (e.g., dosage and number of selected muscles before and after surgery). This retrospective multicenter chart-review study analyzed botulinum toxin total dosage and dosage per muscle in 23 dystonic patients before and after DBS surgery. The study's primary outcome was to analyze whether there was a reduction in BoNT dosage after DBS surgery. The mean BoNT dosages difference between baseline and post-surgery was 293.4 units for 6 months, 292.6 units for 12 months, and 295.2 units at the last visit. The median total dose of BoNT in the preoperative period was 800 units (N = 23). At the last visit, the median was 700 units (p = 0.05). This represents a 12.5% reduction in BoNT median dosage. In conclusion, despite the limitations of this retrospective study, there was a significant reduction in BoNT doses after DBS surgery in patients with generalized dystonia.

A Pragmatic Review on Spinal Cord Stimulation Therapy for Parkinson's Disease Gait Related Disorders: Gaps and Controversies.

BACKGROUND: Parkinson's Disease (PD) is a progressive neurological disorder that results in potentially debilitating mobility deficits. Recently, spinal cord stimulation (SCS) has been proposed as a novel therapy for PD gait disorders. The highest levels of evidence remain limited for SCS. OBJECTIVES: In this systematic review and narrative synthesis, the literature was searched using combinations of key phrases indicating spinal cord stimulation and PD. METHODS: We included pre-clinical studies and all published clinical trials, case reports, conference abstracts as well as protocols for ongoing clinical trials. Additionally, we included trials of SCS applied to atypical parkinsonism. RESULTS: A total of 45 human studies and trials met the inclusion criteria. Based on the narrative synthesis, a number of knowledge gaps and future avenues of potential research were identified. This review demonstrated that evidence for SCS is currently not sufficient to recommend it as an evidence-based therapy for PD related gait disorders. There remain challenges and significant barriers to widespread implementation, including issues regarding patient selection, effective outcome selection, stimulation location and mode, and in programming parameter optimization. Results of early randomized controlled trials are currently pending. SCS is prone to placebo, lessebo and nocebo as well as blinding effects which may impact interpretation of outcomes, particularly when studies are underpowered. CONCLUSION: Therapies such as SCS may build on current evidence and be shown to improve specific gait features in PD. Early negative trials should be interpreted with caution, as more evidence will be required to develop effective methodologies in order to drive clinical outcomes.

Assisted technology in Parkinson's disease gait: what's up?

BACKGROUND: Gait disturbances are prevalent and debilitating symptoms, diminishing mobility and quality of life for Parkinson's disease (PD) individuals. While traditional treatments offer partial relief, there is a growing interest in alternative interventions to address this challenge. Recently, a remarkable surge in assisted technology (AT) development was witnessed to aid individuals with PD. OBJECTIVE: To explore the burgeoning landscape of AT interventions tailored to alleviate PD-related gait impairments and describe current research related to such aim. METHODS: In this review, we searched on PubMed for papers published in English (2018-2023). Additionally, the abstract of each study was read to ensure inclusion. Four researchers searched independently, including studies according to our inclusion and exclusion criteria. RESULTS: We included studies that met all inclusion criteria. We identified key trends in assistive technology of gait parameters analysis in PD. These encompass wearable sensors, gait analysis, real-time feedback and cueing techniques, virtual reality, and robotics. CONCLUSION: This review provides a resource for guiding future research, informing clinical decisions, and fostering collaboration among researchers, clinicians, and policymakers. By delineating this rapidly evolving field's contours, it aims to inspire further innovation, ultimately improving the lives of PD patients through more effective and personalized interventions.

ANTECEDENTES: Os distúrbios da marcha são sintomas prevalentes e debilitantes, diminuindo muito a mobilidade e a qualidade de vida dos indivíduos com doença de Parkinson (DP). Embora os tratamentos tradicionais ofereçam alívio parcial, há um interesse crescente em intervenções alternativas para enfrentar esse desafio. Recentemente, um aumento notável no desenvolvimento de tecnologia assistida (TA) foi testemunhado para ajudar indivíduos com DP. OBJETIVO: Explorar o cenário crescente de intervenções de TA adaptadas para aliviar deficiências de marcha relacionadas à DP e descrever as pesquisas atuais para esse fim. MéTODOS: Nessa revisão, pesquisamos artigos em inglês publicados no PubMed de 2018 a 2023. Além disso, os resumos de cada trabalho foram lidos para assegurar a sua inclusão. Quatro pesquisadores buscaram independentemente os artigos de acordo com os critérios de inclusão e exclusão. RESULTADOS: Incluímos trabalhos que preencheram os critérios de inclusão. Identificamos as tendências em tecnologia assistiva na análise dos parâmetros da marcha em DP. Esses compreendem os sensores portáteis, análise da marcha, retroalimentação em tempo real e técnicas de pista, realidade virtual e robótica. CONCLUSãO: Essa revisão é um recurso para orientar pesquisas futuras, informar decisões clínicas e promover a colaboração entre pesquisadores, médicos e formuladores de políticas. Ao delinear os contornos deste campo em rápida evolução, pretende inspirar mais inovação, melhorando em última análise a vida dos pacientes com DP através de intervenções mais eficazes e personalizadas.

Assisted technology in Parkinson's disease gait: what's up? / Tecnologia assistida na marcha da doença de Parkinson: o que há de novo?

Abstract Background Gait disturbances are prevalent and debilitating symptoms, diminishing mobility and quality of life for Parkinson's disease (PD) individuals. While traditional treatments offer partial relief, there is a growing interest in alternative interventions to address this challenge. Recently, a remarkable surge in assisted technology (AT) development was witnessed to aid individuals with PD. Objective To explore the burgeoning landscape of AT interventions tailored to alleviate PD-related gait impairments and describe current research related to such aim. Methods In this review, we searched on PubMed for papers published in English (2018-2023). Additionally, the abstract of each study was read to ensure inclusion. Four researchers searched independently, including studies according to our inclusion and exclusion criteria. Results We included studies that met all inclusion criteria. We identified key trends in assistive technology of gait parameters analysis in PD. These encompass wearable sensors, gait analysis, real-time feedback and cueing techniques, virtual reality, and robotics. Conclusion This review provides a resource for guiding future research, informing clinical decisions, and fostering collaboration among researchers, clinicians, and policymakers. By delineating this rapidly evolving field's contours, it aims to inspire further innovation, ultimately improving the lives of PD patients through more effective and personalized interventions.

Resumo Antecedentes Os distúrbios da marcha são sintomas prevalentes e debilitantes, diminuindo muito a mobilidade e a qualidade de vida dos indivíduos com doença de Parkinson (DP). Embora os tratamentos tradicionais ofereçam alívio parcial, há um interesse crescente em intervenções alternativas para enfrentar esse desafio. Recentemente, um aumento notável no desenvolvimento de tecnologia assistida (TA) foi testemunhado para ajudar indivíduos com DP. Objetivo Explorar o cenário crescente de intervenções de TA adaptadas para aliviar deficiências de marcha relacionadas à DP e descrever as pesquisas atuais para esse fim. Métodos Nessa revisão, pesquisamos artigos em inglês publicados no PubMed de 2018 a 2023. Além disso, os resumos de cada trabalho foram lidos para assegurar a sua inclusão. Quatro pesquisadores buscaram independentemente os artigos de acordo com os critérios de inclusão e exclusão. Resultados Incluímos trabalhos que preencheram os critérios de inclusão. Identificamos as tendências em tecnologia assistiva na análise dos parâmetros da marcha em DP. Esses compreendem os sensores portáteis, análise da marcha, retroalimentação em tempo real e técnicas de pista, realidade virtual e robótica. Conclusão Essa revisão é um recurso para orientar pesquisas futuras, informar decisões clínicas e promover a colaboração entre pesquisadores, médicos e formuladores de políticas. Ao delinear os contornos deste campo em rápida evolução, pretende inspirar mais inovação, melhorando em última análise a vida dos pacientes com DP através de intervenções mais eficazes e personalizadas.

Reducing the burden of caregivers in Huntington's by using an online interventional neuropsychological approach: a pilot study / Reduzindo a sobrecarga dos cuidadores na doença de Huntington usando uma abordagem neuropsicológica interventiva online: um estudo piloto

ABSTRACT Huntington's disease (HD) is a hereditary, neurodegenerative disease characterized by motor, cognitive, and behavioral issues. As the disease progresses, people become dependent on their caregivers leading to a significant burden. There is a lack of effective neuropsychological intervention to support this population. Objective: To develop an online neuropsychological intervention and evaluate its effects in decreasing the HD caregiver burden. Methods: This qualitative pilot study was conducted online during the COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil. We selected a convenience sample of five informal caregivers of HD patients (mean 46.2 years old). At baseline, participants were assessed via an individual online neuropsychology interview/screening, covering demographic data. Subsequently, we conducted 20 online 90-minute sessions of the psychological consultation over 12 months. Each session was structured in three stages: 1) Welcoming; 2) Breathing and mindfulness practice; and 3) Discussion of themes about the group's needs based on the main complaints. A second intervention assessment was applied. Results: None of the caregivers were provided with details about HD at the time of diagnosis and later care. The necessity to care for a person with a rare genetic disease was added to caregivers' already-existing working routine and home services, causing a symptom of overload. After the neuropsychological intervention, all participants reported feeling less burdened by caring, improved self-care and conflict resolution with the person with HD through expanding behavioral repertoire focused on emotions and communication. Conclusion: Online neuropsychologic intervention can reduce the burden of HD caregivers. More comprehensive studies should investigate these findings.

RESUMO A doença de Huntington (DH) é hereditária e neurodegenerativa, caracterizada por problemas motores, cognitivos e comportamentais. À medida que avança, os pacientes dependem cada vez mais de cuidadores, gerando uma sobrecarga significativa. Há uma carência de intervenções neuropsicológicas eficazes para apoiar esta população. Objetivo: Desenvolver uma intervenção neuropsicológica online e avaliar seus efeitos na redução da sobrecarga do cuidador em DH. Métodos: Este estudo piloto qualitativo ocorreu online, durante a pandemia de COVID-19 no Brasil. Selecionamos uma amostra de conveniência de cinco cuidadores informais de pacientes com DH (média de 46,2 anos). Inicialmente, realizamos triagens neuropsicológicas online, abrangendo dados demográficos e entrevistas. Subsequentemente, conduzimos 20 sessões de 90 minutos ao longo de 12 meses, estruturadas em: 1) acolhimento, 2) prática de respiração e mindfulness e 3) discussão das necessidades do grupo com base nas principais queixas. Após a intervenção, realizamos uma segunda avaliação. Resultados: Constatamos que os cinco cuidadores não foram adequadamente educados pelos profissionais de saúde sobre a DH após o diagnóstico. A responsabilidade de cuidar da pessoa com DH foi agregada à sua rotina de trabalho e serviços domiciliares, ocasionando um sintoma de sobrecarga. Após a intervenção neuropsicológica online, todos os participantes relataram menos sobrecarga relacionada ao cuidado das pessoas com DH, melhoraram o autocuidado e a resolução de conflitos por meio da ampliação do repertório comportamental focado nas emoções e na comunicação. Conclusão: A intervenção neuropsicológica online pode diminuir a sobrecarga dos cuidadores em DH. Estudos mais abrangentes devem investigar esses resultados.

Predictors and Pathophysiology of Axial Postural Abnormalities in Parkinsonism: A Scoping Review.

Background: Postural abnormalities involving the trunk are referred to as axial postural abnormalities and can be observed in over 20% of patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) and in atypical parkinsonism. These symptoms are highly disabling and frequently associated with back pain and a worse quality of life in PD. Despite their frequency, little is known about the pathophysiology of these symptoms and scant data are reported about their clinical predictors, making it difficult to prompt prevention strategies. Objectives: We conducted a scoping literature review of clinical predictors and pathophysiology of axial postural abnormalities in patients with parkinsonism to identify key concepts, theories and evidence on this topic. Methods: We applied a systematic approach to identify studies, appraise quality of evidence, summarize main findings, and highlight knowledge gaps. Results: Ninety-two articles were reviewed: 25% reported on clinical predictors and 75% on pathophysiology. Most studies identified advanced disease stage and greater motor symptoms severity as independent clinical predictors in both PD and multiple system atrophy. Discrepant pathophysiology data suggested different potential central and peripheral pathogenic mechanisms. Conclusions: The recognition of clinical predictors and pathophysiology of axial postural abnormalities in parkinsonism is far from being elucidated due to literature bias, encompassing different inclusion criteria and measurement tools and heterogeneity of patient samples. Most studies identified advanced disease stage and higher burden of motor symptoms as possible clinical predictors. Pathophysiology data point toward many different (possibly non-mutually exclusive) mechanisms, including dystonia, rigidity, proprioceptive and vestibular impairment, and higher cognitive deficits.

Clinical assessment of upper limb impairments and functional capacity in Parkinson's disease: a systematic review / Avaliação clínica de comprometimentos de membros superiores e capacidade funcional na doença de Parkinson: uma revisão sistemática

Abstract Background Parkinson's disease (PD) may progressively reduce the upper limb's functionality. Currently, there is no standardized upper limb functional capacity assessment in PD in the rehabilitation field. Objective To identify specific outcome measurements to assess upper limbs in PD and access functional capacity. Methods We systematically reviewed and analyzed the literature in English published from August/2012 to August/2022 according to PRISMA. The following keywords were used in our search: "upper limbs" OR "upper extremity" and "Parkinson's disease." Two researchers searched independently, including studies accordingly to our inclusion and exclusion criteria. Registered at PROSPERO CRD42021254486. Results We found 797 studies, and 50 were included in this review (n = 2.239 participants in H&Y stage 1-4). The most common upper limbs outcome measures found in the studies were: (i) UPDRS-III and MDS-UPDRS to assess the severity and progression of PD motor symptoms (tremor, bradykinesia, and rigidity) (ii) Nine Hole Peg Test and Purdue Pegboard Test to assess manual dexterity; (iii) Spiral test and Funnel test to provoke and assess freezing of upper limbs; (iv) Technology assessment such as wearables sensors, apps, and other device were also found. Conclusion We found evidence to support upper limb impairments assessments in PD. However, there is still a large shortage of specific tests to assess the functional capacity of the upper limbs. The upper limbs' functional capacity is insufficiently investigated during the clinical and rehabilitation examination due to a lack of specific outcome measures to assess functionality.

Resumo Antecedentes A doença de Parkinson (DP) reduz progressivamente a funcionalidade do membro superior. Não existe uma avaliação padronizada da capacidade funcional do membro superior na DP na área da reabilitação. Objetivo Identificar medidas de resultados específicos para avaliar membros superiores na DP e avaliar capacidade funcional. Métodos Revisamos e analisamos sistematicamente a literatura publicada de agosto/2012 a agosto/2022 de acordo com PRISMA. Usamos as seguintes palavras-chave "membros superiores" OU "extremidade superior" e "doença de Parkinson." Dois pesquisadores fizeram a busca de forma independente, incluindo estudos de acordo com os critérios de inclusão e exclusão. Registro PROSPERO CRD42021254486. Resultados Encontramos 797 estudos, 50 foram incluídos no estudo(n = 2.239 participantes no estágio 1-4 de H&Y). As medidas de resultados de membros superiores mais comuns encontradas foram: (i) UPDRS-III e MDS-UPDRS, para avaliar a gravidade e a progressão dos sintomas motores da DP (tremor, bradicinesia, e rigidez); (ii) Nine Hole Peg Test e Purdue Pegboard Test para avaliar a destreza manual; (iii) Teste da Espiral e Teste do Funil para provocar e avaliar o congelamento de membros superiores; (iv) Avaliação de tecnologia, como sensores vestíveis, aplicativos e outros dispositivos também foram encontrados. Conclusão Encontramos evidências para dar suporte para as avaliações de deficiências de membros superiores na DP. No entanto, ainda há grande escassez de testes específicos para avaliar a capacidade funcional dos membros superiores. A capacidade funcional dos membros superior é insuficientemente investigada durante o exame clínico e de reabilitação devido à falta de medidas de resultados específicos para avaliar a funcionalidade.

Long-term tonic spinal cord stimulation in advanced Parkinson's disease: No effect from stimulation under placebo-controlled evaluation.

•Chronic spinal cord stimulation effectiveness was evaluated in four PD patients.•Double blinded cross over evaluation was performed using subthreshold stimulation.•An open label evaluation with regular suprathreshold stimulation was also performed.•No statistically significant effect was produced with either stimulation.•This study highlights the lack of strong clinical evidence supporting SCS for PD.

Clinical assessment of upper limb impairments and functional capacity in Parkinson's disease: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Parkinson's disease (PD) may progressively reduce the upper limb's functionality. Currently, there is no standardized upper limb functional capacity assessment in PD in the rehabilitation field. OBJECTIVE: To identify specific outcome measurements to assess upper limbs in PD and access functional capacity. METHODS: We systematically reviewed and analyzed the literature in English published from August/2012 to August/2022 according to PRISMA. The following keywords were used in our search: "upper limbs" OR "upper extremity" and "Parkinson's disease." Two researchers searched independently, including studies accordingly to our inclusion and exclusion criteria. Registered at PROSPERO CRD42021254486. RESULTS: We found 797 studies, and 50 were included in this review (n = 2.239 participants in H&Y stage 1-4). The most common upper limbs outcome measures found in the studies were: (i) UPDRS-III and MDS-UPDRS to assess the severity and progression of PD motor symptoms (tremor, bradykinesia, and rigidity) (ii) Nine Hole Peg Test and Purdue Pegboard Test to assess manual dexterity; (iii) Spiral test and Funnel test to provoke and assess freezing of upper limbs; (iv) Technology assessment such as wearables sensors, apps, and other device were also found. CONCLUSION: We found evidence to support upper limb impairments assessments in PD. However, there is still a large shortage of specific tests to assess the functional capacity of the upper limbs. The upper limbs' functional capacity is insufficiently investigated during the clinical and rehabilitation examination due to a lack of specific outcome measures to assess functionality.

ANTECEDENTES: A doença de Parkinson (DP) reduz progressivamente a funcionalidade do membro superior. Não existe uma avaliação padronizada da capacidade funcional do membro superior na DP na área da reabilitação. OBJETIVO: Identificar medidas de resultados específicos para avaliar membros superiores na DP e avaliar capacidade funcional. MéTODOS: Revisamos e analisamos sistematicamente a literatura publicada de agosto/2012 a agosto/2022 de acordo com PRISMA. Usamos as seguintes palavras-chave "membros superiores" OU "extremidade superior" e "doença de Parkinson." Dois pesquisadores fizeram a busca de forma independente, incluindo estudos de acordo com os critérios de inclusão e exclusão. Registro PROSPERO CRD42021254486. RESULTADOS: Encontramos 797 estudos, 50 foram incluídos no estudo(n = 2.239 participantes no estágio 1­4 de H&Y). As medidas de resultados de membros superiores mais comuns encontradas foram: (i) UPDRS-III e MDS-UPDRS, para avaliar a gravidade e a progressão dos sintomas motores da DP (tremor, bradicinesia, e rigidez); (ii) Nine Hole Peg Test e Purdue Pegboard Test para avaliar a destreza manual; (iii) Teste da Espiral e Teste do Funil para provocar e avaliar o congelamento de membros superiores; (iv) Avaliação de tecnologia, como sensores vestíveis, aplicativos e outros dispositivos também foram encontrados. CONCLUSãO: Encontramos evidências para dar suporte para as avaliações de deficiências de membros superiores na DP. No entanto, ainda há grande escassez de testes específicos para avaliar a capacidade funcional dos membros superiores. A capacidade funcional dos membros superior é insuficientemente investigada durante o exame clínico e de reabilitação devido à falta de medidas de resultados específicos para avaliar a funcionalidade.

Exploring the levodopa-paradox of freezing of gait in dopaminergic medication-naïve Parkinson's disease populations.

The relationship between dopaminergic treatment and freezing of gait (FOG) in Parkinson's disease (PD) is complex: levodopa is the most effective symptomatic treatment for FOG, but long-term pulsatile levodopa treatment has also been linked to an increase in the occurrence of FOG. This concept, however, continues to be debated. Here, we compared the occurrence of FOG between a levodopa-naive PD cohort and a levodopa-treated cohort. Forty-nine treatment-naive patients and 150 levodopa-treated patients were included. The time since first motor symptoms was at least 5 years. Disease severity was assessed using the MDS-UPDRS part III. Occurrence of FOG was assessed subjectively (new freezing-of-gait-questionnaire) and objectively (rapid turns test and Timed Up-and-Go test). The presence of FOG was compared between the levodopa-treated and levodopa-naive groups using a chi-square test of homogeneity. We also performed a binomial Firth logistic regression with disease duration, disease severity, country of inclusion, location of measurement, and executive function as covariates. Subjective FOG was more common in the levodopa-treated cohort (n = 41, 27%) compared to the levodopa-naive cohort (n = 2, 4%, p < 0.001). The association between FOG and levodopa treatment remained after adjustment for covariates (OR = 6.04, 95%Cl [1.60, 33.44], p = 0.006). Objectively verified FOG was more common in the levodopa-treated cohort (n = 21, 14%) compared to the levodopa-naive cohort (n = 1, 2%, p = 0.02). We found an association between long-term pulsatile levodopa treatment and an increased occurrence of FOG. Future studies should further explore the role of nonphysiological stimulation of dopamine receptors in generating FOG, as a basis for possible prevention studies.

Use of Objective Outcomes Measures to Verify the Effects of ICF-Based Gait Treatment in Huntington's Disease Patient on Globus Pallidus Deep Brain Stimulation: A Case Report.

In advanced stages of in Huntington's disease (HD) gait impairments and severe chorea are usually medication-refractory. The long-term effects on gait in HD of physiotherapy ICF-based management post- globus pallidus deep brain stimulation (GPi DBS) are not well-established. Physiotherapy has been recognized as an essential element in HD treatment. Here, we present a case report of a 56-year-old woman with HD on the advanced stage and severe chorea medication-refractory after GPi-DBS. We performed multidisciplinary motor assessments ICF-based to identify the disability at clinical and home-setting, including environmental and personal factors before and after GPi-DBS surgery and at 11-time points follow-up. The surgery was very successful and directly post GPi-DBS, there were a significant improvement in chorea and a substantial decrease in medication dose. A framework ICF- based physiotherapy protocol with external cues was developed to improve gait was delivered post-surgery and was continued three times/week during 18-months. Physiotherapy sessions consisted of a personalized protocol of exercises with functional movements, balance, and gait training with external cues. Improvements in gait were observed in 3-months post-intervention and were more expressive in 6-months follow-up. Our patient improved substantially HD motor symptoms and her quality of life after GPi-DBS intervention and a physiotherapy program ICF-based. The objective outcomes measures used to assess gait have served as endpoints to assessing the patient's motor profile during the pre-operative period. Assessments were helpful to verify the efficacy of the multidisciplinary intervention in long-term. Conclusion: Periodically assessing function and disability using outcome improvements may support clinicians' decisions about DBS, medication adjustments and guide physiotherapists to personalize the ICF-based intervention.

Task Force Consensus on Nosology and Cut-Off Values for Axial Postural Abnormalities in Parkinsonism.

Background: There is no consensus with regard to the nosology and cut-off values for postural abnormalities in parkinsonism. Objective: To reach a consensus regarding the nosology and cut-off values. Methods: Using a modified Delphi panel method, multiple rounds of questionnaires were conducted by movement disorder experts to define nosology and cut-offs of postural abnormalities. Results: After separating axial from appendicular postural deformities, a full agreement was found for the following terms and cut-offs: camptocormia, with thoracic fulcrum (>45°) or lumbar fulcrum (>30°), Pisa syndrome (>10°), and antecollis (>45°). "Anterior trunk flexion," with thoracic (≥25° to ≤45°) or lumbar fulcrum (>15° to ≤30°), "lateral trunk flexion" (≥5° to ≤10°), and "anterior neck flexion" (>35° to ≤45°) were chosen for milder postural abnormalities. Conclusions: For axial postural abnormalities, we recommend the use of proposed cut-offs and six unique terms, namely camptocormia, Pisa syndrome, antecollis, anterior trunk flexion, lateral trunk flexion, anterior neck flexion, to harmonize clinical practice and future research.

Guidelines for Parkinson's disease treatment: consensus from the Movement Disorders Scientific Department of the Brazilian Academy of Neurology - motor symptoms.

The treatment of Parkinson's disease (PD) is challenging, especially since it is considered highly individualized. The Brazilian Academy of Neurology has recognized the need to disseminate knowledge about the management of PD treatment, adapting the best evidence to the Brazilian reality. Thus, the main published treatment guidelines were reviewed based on the recommendations of group from the Movement Disorders Scientific Department of the Brazilian Academy of Neurology.

Guidelines for Parkinson's disease treatment: consensus from the Movement Disorders Scientific Department of the Brazilian Academy of Neurology - motor symptoms / Diretrizes para o tratamento da doença de Parkinson: consenso do Departamento Científico de Transtornos do Movimento da Academia Brasileira de Neurologia - sintomas motores

ABSTRACT The treatment of Parkinson's disease (PD) is challenging, especially since it is considered highly individualized. The Brazilian Academy of Neurology has recognized the need to disseminate knowledge about the management of PD treatment, adapting the best evidence to the Brazilian reality. Thus, the main published treatment guidelines were reviewed based on the recommendations of group from the Movement Disorders Scientific Department of the Brazilian Academy of Neurology.

Resumo O tratamento da doença de Parkinson (DP) constitui um desafio, especialmente por ser considerado muito individualizado. A Academia Brasileira de Neurologia (ABN) identificou a necessidade de disseminar o conhecimento sobre o manejo do tratamento da DP, adaptando as melhores evidências à realidade brasileira. Assim, foi realizada uma revisão sobre as principais orientações de tratamento publicadas, baseada nas recomendações elaboradas por um grupo de especialistas em transtornos do movimento do departamento científico da ABN.

Use of non-invasive stimulation in movement disorders: a critical review.

BACKGROUND: Noninvasive stimulation has been widely used in the past 30 years to study and treat a large number of neurological diseases, including movement disorders. OBJECTIVE: In this critical review, we illustrate the rationale for use of these techniques in movement disorders and summarize the best medical evidence based on the main clinical trials performed to date. METHODS: A nationally representative group of experts performed a comprehensive review of the literature in order to analyze the key clinical decision-making factors driving transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) in movement disorders. Classes of evidence and recommendations were described for each disease. RESULTS: Despite unavoidable heterogeneities and low effect size, TMS is likely to be effective for treating motor symptoms and depression in Parkinson's disease (PD). The efficacy in other movement disorders is unclear. TMS is possibly effective for focal hand dystonia, essential tremor and cerebellar ataxia. Additionally, it is likely to be ineffective in reducing tics in Tourette syndrome. Lastly, tDCS is likely to be effective in improving gait in PD. CONCLUSIONS: There is encouraging evidence for the use of noninvasive stimulation on a subset of symptoms in selected movement disorders, although the means to optimize protocols for improving positive outcomes in routine clinical practice remain undetermined. Similarly, the best stimulation paradigms and responder profile need to be investigated in large clinical trials with established therapeutic and assessment paradigms that could also allow genuine long-term benefits to be determined.

The European Physiotherapy Guideline for Parkinson's Disease: translation for non-English speaking countries.

BACKGROUND: The use of the European Physiotherapy Guideline for Parkinson's Disease is limited in countries where the official language is not English. OBJECTIVE: To provide practical steps on how to translate the European Physiotherapy Guideline for Parkinson's Disease. METHODS: We used the translation process of the Portuguese version as an example of how to define the recommended steps. A combination of a forward-backward-translation and dual-panel approach was used. RESULTS: Ten recommended translation steps were defined: (1) authorization, (2) translation of sample chapter, (3) physiotherapy expert panel review, (4) backward translation, (5) approval by copyright holders, (6) translation of the remaining sections of the guideline, (7) review of the entire translation by expert panel, (8) review by a user panel, (9) conclude final draft, (10) publication and dissemination. Several adjustments were needed in the Portuguese version. CONCLUSION: The additional adjustments that were required for the Portuguese version justify the need for the detailed and multifaceted translation process that was outlined in this manuscript.