Dr. Rajesh Alugolu, Neuro & Spine Surgeon Yashoda Hospital Hitec City

24/04/2026

10/03/2026

🧠 UPDRS Motor Scoring: A Key Tool in Deciding Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) for Parkinson’s Disease

Parkinson's disease is a progressive neurological condition that affects movement, causing symptoms such as tremor, stiffness, slowness of movement, and balance problems. While medications help control symptoms initially, some patients eventually develop motor fluctuations and dyskinesias that are difficult to manage with drugs alone.

One of the most important clinical tools used to evaluate patients is the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale, particularly UPDRS Part III – the Motor Examination.

🔍 Why UPDRS Motor Scoring Matters

The UPDRS motor score helps clinicians objectively assess:
✔ Tremor severity
✔ Rigidity
✔ Bradykinesia (slowness of movement)
✔ Postural stability
✔ Gait disturbances

During the Levodopa Challenge Test, doctors compare the UPDRS motor score in OFF medication vs ON medication states.

📊 A 30–40% or greater improvement in motor score after medication indicates that the patient may respond well to Deep Brain Stimulation.

⚙️ How DBS Helps

DBS is an advanced neurosurgical therapy that delivers controlled electrical stimulation to specific brain targets such as the
• Subthalamic Nucleus
• Globus Pallidus Internus

This therapy helps regulate abnormal brain signals responsible for Parkinson’s motor symptoms.

🌟 Benefits of DBS

✔ Significant improvement in tremor, rigidity, and slowness
✔ Reduction in medication dosage and side effects
✔ Better control of motor fluctuations
✔ Improved quality of life and independence

Careful evaluation using UPDRS scoring ensures that the right patients receive the right treatment at the right time.

📍 Contact Dr. Rajesh Alugolu to learn more or schedule an expert consultation and assessment.

🏥 Yashoda Hospitals Hitec City
Survey No. 41/14, JNTU to Hitech City Main Rd, Khanamet Village, Shaikpet, Hyderabad, Telangana 500084

📞 Phone:
📱 8977028993
📱 8317675981
📱 6301077178