Early hyperdopaminergic state following sub-thalamic nucleus deep brain stimulation in Parkinson disease

Rev Neurol (Paris). 2022 Nov;178(9):896-906. doi: 10.1016/j.neurol.2022.07.003. Epub 2022 Sep 21.

Abstract

Background: Hyperdopaminergic state (HS), especially impulse control behaviors (ICBs), are not rare in Parkinson's disease (PD). Controversial data regarding HS prevalence one year following sub-thalamic nucleus deep brain stimulation (STN-DBS) are reported.

Objective: Our objectives were to describe early postoperative HS (PoOHS) including ICBs, hypomania and psychotic symptoms during the first 3 months following STN-DBS (V1) and their prognosis at 1 year (V2).

Methods: This descriptive study included 24 PD patients treated successively with bilateral STN-DBS between 2017 and 2019. The primary endpoint was prevalence of PoOHS at V1 according to the Ardouin Scale of Behaviour in Parkinson's Disease.

Results: Prior to STN-DBS (V0), 25% patients had HS (only ICBs) whereas at V1 (during the 3 first months), 10 patients (41.7%) had one or several HS (P=0.22) (de novo in 29.2%): 7 (29.2%) ICBs, 4 (16.7%) hypomanic mood, 1 (4.7%) psychotic symptoms. At V2, all V0 and V1 HS had disappeared, while 1 patient (4.2%) presented de novo HS (P<0.01). No correlation was found between the occurrence of PoOHS at V1 and any V0 data. Higher levodopa equivalent dose of dopamine agonists at V1 was correlated with ICB at V1 (P=0.04).

Conclusion: We found that early PoOHS are frequent in PD after STN-DBS, mostly de novo, with ICBs and hypomania being the most frequent. Despite a good prognosis of PoOHS at one year, our work emphasizes the importance of both a cautious adjustment of dopamine agonist doses and a close non-motor monitoring pre- and post-STN-DBS in PD.

Keywords: Deep brain stimulation; Early hyperdopaminergic state; Hypomania; Impulse control behavior; Impulse control disorder; Psychotic disorder.

MeSH terms

  • Deep Brain Stimulation* / adverse effects
  • Humans
  • Mania
  • Nijmegen Breakage Syndrome* / etiology
  • Nijmegen Breakage Syndrome* / therapy
  • Parkinson Disease* / epidemiology
  • Subthalamic Nucleus* / physiology
  • Treatment Outcome