Less invasive Deep Brain Stimulation implant

Neurosurgeon Dr. Anant Patel, who is affiliated with St. David’s North Austin Medical Center, and Neurology Solutions Movement Disorders Center Medical Director Dr. Robert Izor are at the forefront of a less invasive, more precise Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) implant procedure. The new surgical technique streamlines the process for undergoing DBS surgery—requiring one less procedure and five fewer incisions.

The new DBS implant technique uses the latest imaging and surgical programming equipment and eliminates the need for placement of bone marker screws prior to DBS surgery.

Medtronic Deep Brain Stimulation Advancements

Dr. Robert Izor of Neurology Solutions Movement Disorders Center joined Austin’s KXAN News Studio 512 last week to talk about advancements in Medtronic deep brain stimulation (DBS) therapy, a surgical treatment for patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD) and disorders such as dystonia and essential tremor. In 2016, the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) approved Medtronic DBS therapy for use in people with early Parkinson’s disease—at least four-years duration—with recent onset of motor complications not adequately controlled with medication.

DBS-device manufacturer Medtronic is at the forefront of new, more precise programming technology allowing the DBS current field to stimulate deeper areas of the brain and alleviate stimulation-induced symptoms. Medtronic named Neurology Solutions the fourth-largest private DBS implant center in the country and the largest such center managing DBS patients in Texas.

DBS troubleshooting evaluation

Neurology Solutions offers DBS troubleshooting evaluations

Neurology Solutions Movement Disorders Center is offering same-day DBS troubleshooting evaluations for new implanted patients to assess deep brain stimulation problems and failures. Patients will receive an initial 1-1/2 hour medical consultation and multiple follow-up programming sessions, as needed, until optimal DBS results are achieved. Neurology Solutions will thoroughly analyze your DBS system as part of the DBS evaluation to determine adequate medication dosing, optimal lead placement, and to investigate problems related to stimulation or hardware.

Neurology Solutions providers oversee the post-operative management of more than 150 patients with DBS.

Medtronic deep brain stimulation risks results

Medtronic Deep Brain Stimulation: Precision, Risks & Results

Neurology Solutions Medical Director Dr. Robert Izor has participated in more than 200 Medtronic deep brain stimulation procedures since 2004 with St. David’s Medical Center Neurosurgeon Anant Patel. Using high resolution advanced imaging technology, Dr. Izor and Dr. Patel have been able to precisely target specific areas of the brain signaling motor symptoms, allowing for excellent DBS response and no side effects. This article will lay out the most common risks and results of deep brain stimulation surgery as well as explain why “awake DBS” is the gold standard for optimal precision.

Deep Brain Stimulation for Movement Disorders

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.

Muhammad Ali’s Passing is Reminder There is Still Work to be Done

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).

New Medications available for managing Parkinson’s Disease

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.

Medtronic Deep Brain Stimulation Therapy Lunch & Learns

Medtronic has scheduled a series of lunch and learns for implanted and new patients considering Deep Brain Stimulation implant surgery in Austin. The Lunch and Learns include “Battery Longevity Clinic” for implanted patients and “Behind the Surgical Curtain” for new patients.

Neurology Solutions patient tells story of living with dystonia

Phyllis Spivey of Austin noticed an odd thing when she would lie down to sleep: when she put her head on the pillow, it would pull to the right. About a year and a half after she first noticed the tugging motion in her neck–and several months after first complaining of it to her doctor–she was referred to a neurologist who quickly diagnosed her with dystonia. She has been living with dystonia the past 18 years.

Young Onset Parkinson’s patient shares her 20-year journey

Roxana Zapata sees her Parkinson’s disease as somewhat of an unwelcome house guest: She’s a little controlling, she usually gets her own way, and she won’t be ignored.

Roxana’s journey began when she was 39 years old: Right about the time her career as a sixth grade teacher in Laredo, Texas, started to take off, so did her Parkinson’s disease.

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