OPTIMIzing patient selection for deep brain STimulation of the subthalamic nucleus in
Parkinson’s disease: the OPTIMIST study

Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) of the Subthalamic Nucleus (STN) is an effective treatment for advanced Parkinson’s Disease. However, there is an increasing need to predict which patients fully benefit from DBS-STN and which will not. In a multi-center observational setting, patients undergoing DBS-STN will receive extensive motor- and non-motor assessments which can be used as potential predictors of 1-year post-operative functioning. We aim to develop a prediction model of success to DBS-STN, i.e. improvement of motor function, which ultimately aims to optimize patient selection for surgery.

We expect to develop a robust predictive model with which to identify patients who are most likely to benefit from STN-DBS, thereby optimizing the screening procedure for DBS.

STN-DBS screening (prior to surgery)

Up to 72 hours post-surgery

One year post-surgery

No intervention is formally tested. Patients eligible for STN-DBS after routine screening in the DBS centres will be operated on according to standard procedures. Questionnaires and rating scales will be used for evaluation og the oucomes