TITLE:
Neurological, Neuropsychological, and Neuropsychiatric Assessment of Patients with Parkinson’s Disease for Subthalamic Nucleus Deep Brain Stimulation Surgery
AUTHORS:
Carol Dillon, Santiago Driollet Laspiur, Melina Bellotto, Marina Romano, Gustavo Héctor Vázquez, María Barisic, Agustina Cupito, Micaela De Jauregui, Diego Castro, Patricio Pérez Leguizamon, María Belen Viaggio, Cecilia María Peralta
KEYWORDS:
Subthalamic Nucleus Deep Brain Stimulation Surgery, Parkinson’s Disease, Neurological Symptoms, Neuropsychiatric Symptoms, Neuropsychological Symptoms
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Access Library Journal,
Vol.13 No.3,
March
10,
2026
ABSTRACT: Introduction: Subthalamic nucleus Deep brain stimulation surgery (STN-DBS) is a treatment used for patients in the fluctuating and advanced stages of PD. For this, patients must meet specific inclusion and exclusion criteria. The objectives of this work were to evaluate the current neurological, neuropsychiatric status, and cognitive status of patients with PD for STN-DBS. Methods: A complete semi-structured neurological and neuropsychiatric interview, validated neurological and neuropsychiatric scales, brain MRI, and Levodopa tests, and a complete neuropsychological battery were administered according to CAPSYT recommendations. Results: 48 patients with PD were evaluated; the mean age and schooling were 65.70 years (±8.06), years of illness 15.67 (±7.3), and 12.27 years (±4.28), respectively. Seventeen of these patients were excluded as candidates for neurosurgery. Five patients were excluded due to advanced PD and long disease duration, four patients were excluded due to atypical Parkinsonism, and three patients were excluded due to dementia of multiple domains with a subcortical profile and impairment in daily life activities. Five of these patients were diagnosed with Severe Major Depression Episodes and exhibited more than two of the following conditions: 1) High scores on the Beck Depression Scale; 2) High Okasha suicidality score; 3) High total score on Barrat impulsivity scale; and/or 4) The presence of psychotic symptoms. Conclusions: Our study highlights the relevance of a detailed and complete neurological, neuropsychological, and neuropsychiatric evaluation of PD patients to ensure they are suitable candidates for STN-DBS. The understanding of neurological, neuropsychological symptoms and the evaluation of psychiatric risk factors using validated scales are critical to managing patients before surgery and to guiding post-surgical care.