Parkinson's Disease - Treatment Options Available!

In 2016, deep brain stimulation has been approved for the treatment of Parkinson s disease in its earlier stages for people who have been suffering from this condition for at least 4 years. It is considered very effective for people who experience symptoms like wearing-off spells, tremors, and Dyskinesias. Experts generally recommend deep brain stimulation for people with considerable motor complications which are not adequately managed through medicines. This procedure will be recommended if you are an ideal candidate.

In people affected with Parkinson s disease, a small part of the brain known as Globus Pallidus becomes overactive. This leads to a stark reduction in the activity of the other parts of the brain which control movement. In both the procedures, Pallidotomy and Thalamotomy, the neurosurgeon creates a small scar for destroying a miniature part of the globus pallidus. This reduces the level of activity and help in relieving the symptoms of Parkinson s disease. For the right candidate, this surgical treatment could be highly effective.

The individual undergoing pallidotomy or thalamotomy is kept awake during the whole surgical process but the area of the scalp where the instruments are inserted is made numb with local anesthesia. The surgeon then inserts a probe through the hole which is drilled into the skull. After that, liquid nitrogen, which is extremely cold in nature, is inserted through the hollow probe for destroying the targeted tissue of the brain. There is nothing to be worried about as your surgeon would educate you prior to the procedure.

Deep brain stimulation involves implantation of extremely fine wires into the brain. They are finally connected to the pulse generator which is normally installed in the stomach or chest area. Deep brain stimulation is known as a non-destructive kind of surgery which means that it doesn t destroy any part of the brain. Tip: In some cases, where the deep brain stimulation is not successful, the system can be turned off and the effects can be reversed.