STN DBS for Advanced Parkinson Disease Simultaneously Alleviates Cluster Headache

Background: STB DBS (deep brain stimulation of the subthalamic nucleus) is commonly used to treat advanced Parkinson disease (PD) while posterior hypothalamic DBS for cluster headache (CH) remains experimental. Methods: We present a case where a middle-aged man was diagnosed with both CH and PD and received medical treatment for both. The patient was treated with bilateral STN DBS after developing side effects related to L-dopa. Findings: STN DBS not only alleviated PD symptoms but also the CH, and hence the CH treatment could be withdrawn. During follow-up PD progressed but the effect on CH symptoms was sustained. Conclusions: The anatomical proximity of the medial STN and hypothalamus, their similar connectivity via the hyperdirect pathway, and the autonomic effects of STN DBS could explain symptom relief for both PD and CH.