Quick is attempting to quantify endoneurial volume during a patient's movement through the positioning for the upper limb neural tension test. She is using MRI data, electrophysiological and anatomical methodology. She is continuing to investigate the efficacy of treatments and the most efficient means of treatment. She will be presenting these findings to the Geriatric Society in November. The DBS study is a single-blind study and is one of the few, if not the only one worldwide at this time.
Patients undergo either globus pallidus or substantia nigra stimulation.
Measurements of gait and balance are made prior to surgery and then at precise intervals following surgery. The entire project will take 2 years. Dr. Melnick is utilizing motion analysis equipment, with Dr. Radtka's assistance, to measure the kinematics and kinetics of gait on and off medication as well as on and off stimulator. The pre-operative results were presented at the international gait meetings in Prague. It appears that those with PD do not have roll off and this is not typically changed with medication.