Objective: To assess the effect of Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) on self-perceived changes of voice function in Parkinson’s disease (PD).

Background: To date, the effect of DBS on speech function has been assessed in many studies, indicating that DBS may improve or worsen speech function independent of the effect of motor function [1,2].

Method: We here present a dataset from a large multinational, bi-centric cohort with N = 67 (31 female) individuals (Cologne, GER N = 46; Nagoya, JAP N = 21) for the assessment of voice function by means of the Voice Handicap Index (VHI) before and after DBS. We conducted a correlation analysis to evaluate the impact of demographic factors (age, sex), disease-associated factors (difference in daily levodopa dosage prior to and after surgery [LEDD change], disease duration, mini mental status examination, PDQ-39 communication item) as well as DBS-specific factors (electrode position, local charge) on VHI change scores. Subsequently, factors with a pronounced correlation (p < .2) to change scores were included in univariate regression analysis.

Results: There was a correlation between LEDD change r(65) = -.3, p = .009, total VHI and its respective subscores (emotional, physical and functional) at Baseline change r(65) =  -.47/.24/.21/.21, p = .059/.048/.079/.079 and charge on the left hemisphere r(65) = -. -.36, p = .002.

Regression analysis indicated, that a reduction of dopaminergic medication (β = 8.01, p < 0.01), poor voice function prior to DBS (β = .36, p < 0.01), and lower charge on the left hemisphere electrode (β = -.17, p < 0.01), predict an improvement of voice function after DBS while contact position, age or disease duration do not play a significant role (Fig. 1 A, B, C).

[Figure 1]

Conclusion: The clinician can potentially adjust factors negatively influencing voice after DBS.

References: 1. Frost E, Tripoliti E, Hariz MI, Pring T, Limousin P. Self-perception of speech changes in patients with Parkinson’s disease following deep brain stimulation of the subthalamic nucleus. International Journal of Speech-Language Pathology. Oktober 2010;12(5):399–404.
2. Tanaka Y, Tsuboi T, Watanabe H, Nakatsubo D, Maesawa S, Kato S, u. a. Longitudinal Speech Change After Subthalamic Nucleus Deep Brain Stimulation in Parkinson’s Disease Patients: A 2-Year Prospective Study. J Parkinsons Dis. 2020;10(1):131–40.

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MDS Abstracts - https://www.mdsabstracts.org/abstract/factors-influencing-voice-function-after-deep-brain-stimulation-in-parkinsons-disease/