MDS 2020 | Controversial: early administration of deep brain stimulation in Parkinson’s disease

Jens Volkmann, MD, PhD, University Hospital of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany, discusses the controversy of when to start deep brain stimulation (DBS) therapy. DBS was originally designed to treat symptoms in the later stages of Parkinson’s disease, however, some believe it should be delivered earlier. As patients do not want to lose motor capabilities and their independence, delivery of DBS earlier could be preventative. However, long term use of DBS is unknown, in addition to how to effectively manage the life long disease. This interview was recorded during an online conference call with The Video Journal of Neurology (VJNeurology).