By Patrick McNamara, Ph.D
Subthalamic deep brain stimulation (DBS) is a surgical procedure that works well to reduce dyskinesias associated with long term use of levodopa. But patients, their families and their doctors have noticed that many people with Parkinson's disease who undergo the procedure later put on a lot of weight. One recent study followed 22 patients who had the surgery. No patient was underweight before surgery and 50% were overweight. By contrast, 68% were overweight or obese 3 months after surgery and 82% after 16 months. The scientists were also able to determine that this weight gain was mainly due to an increase in fat mass in both men and women. What is it about subthalamic brain stimulation that contributes to weight gain? Scientists do not yet know. The thalamus and subthalamic regions of the brain are very near the hypothalamus and the hypothalamus controls appetite by signaling satiety. “Hey stop eating I’m full!” If the surgery for some reason also influences the hypothalamus it may inadvertently interfere with eating habits. Until more is known about these things people who undergo the procedure for subthalamic DBS should be provided with a diet management plan and a physical training schedule appropriate for them.
Source: Bannier S, Montaurier C, Derost PP, Ulla M, Lemaire JJ, Boirie Y, Morio B, Durif F. (2009). Overweight after deep brain stimulation of the subthalamic nucleus in Parkinson disease: long term follow-up. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry. 80(5):484-8. Epub 2008 Dec 5.
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