Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) therapy is used to disrupt the abnormal nerve signals causing motor symptoms in conditions such as Parkinson’s disease (PD), tremor and dystonia. DBS implant surgery is a performed in a three-stage process followed by several initial programming sessions.
In this article, we will describe which areas of the brain are targeted for specific conditions and the process for DBS surgery.
Deep brain stimulation surgery is generally considered when quality of life is no longer acceptable and medicine no longer addresses symptoms of disorders such as Parkinson’s, essential tremor and dystonia effectively. Research indicates that deep brain stimulation’s benefits may be just as promising for people in the earlier stages of Parkinson’s, and individuals at minimal risk who can get benefit from the treatment should consider this option. Read on to find out if you are a candidate for DBS.
Patients with a movement disorder such as Parkinson’s disease, dystonia and essential tremor often consider deep brain stimulation (DBS) implant surgery to stabilize their symptoms, reduce the need for medications and to provide more consistent relief of symptoms in medication off-periods.
During this surgery, the surgeon implants thin insulated wires called electrodes into one or both sides of the brain to stimulate areas of the brain that control movement. Unlike other brain surgeries to address movement disorders, DBS does not damage brain tissue and can be reversed if other treatments become available.
The changes in the brain that cause motor symptoms in Parkinson’s disease spread gradually but in time they often begin to affect mental functions, including memory and the ability to pay attention, make sound judgments and plan the steps needed to complete a task, known as “executive function.” Medication treatment is available for secondary symptoms of Parkinson’s disease affecting mental function, such as dementia, psychosis and impaired executive function.
Choices about medications made early in the course of disease can have a lasting impact on the course of the illness. Learn about medications for managing Parkinson’s disease.
Last week, the world lost Muhammad Ali, “The Greatest,” a hero, humanitarian and champion for Parkinson’s disease (PD). A sports legend and cultural icon, Ali was the world’s most famous Parkinson’s patient.
His passing is a reminder that the fight against PD is not over, and there is still much work to be done. Since 2003, public funding for Parkinson’s research has dropped 50 percent, from $300 million to just $150 million in 2016, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
There have been several exciting recent developments in the realization of advanced treatment options and new medications for Parkinson’s disease. Patients with PD should consider seeking a medication review at least annually to see if they can benefit from the latest developments for treatment of PD.
Neurology Solutions Movement Disorders Center shared an overview of its therapeutic program to provide hormone therapy for Parkinson’s (PD) disease management to improve patients’ cognition, mood and mobility and increase their tolerance for exercise. Following is a Hormone Therapy Q & A with more details on Neurology Solutions’ approach and results.
For the past two years Neurology Solutions Movement Disorders Center has trialed approximately 80 Parkinson’s disease (PD) patients with bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (HRT) as part of their treatment plan. With this protocol, Neurology Solutions is striving to bring the patients’ hormone levels closer to the hormone profile of their youth and investigate its impact on mobility, motor fluctuations, cognition, mood and quality of life.
Brain Awareness Week brings attention to brain science advances and advocates for science funding for the treatment of traumatic brain injury (TBI) and neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s and ALS. Read on for information and resources in the prevention of TBIs.