Ten-Hertz stimulation of subthalamic nucleus deteriorates motor symptoms in Parkinson's disease.

Recently, a pathological oscillatory network at 10 Hz including several motor areas was described in patients with idiopathic Parkinson's disease (PD). In 7 PD patients, we tested the clinical effect of subthalamic nucleus (STN) stimulation at varying frequencies 1 to 3 years after implantation of electrodes. STN stimulation at 10 Hz induced significant worsening of motor symptoms, especially akinesia, compared with no stimulation and therapeutic stimulation (> or =130 Hz). This finding indicates the clinical relevance of pathological 10 Hz synchronization in PD.