deep brain stimulation therapy Archives

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.

deep brain stimulation support and learning

Deep Brain Stimulation Learning, Support Group

Undergoing surgery for Deep Brain Stimulation can be a stressful experience for patients and their families. Neurology Solutions sponsors a deep brain stimulation support group monthly to provide a chance to meet and learn from others with Parkinson’s disease who have undergone DBS surgery. Many of our patients report that talking to other patients before having DBS surgery provided them great comfort and helped them reach a decision about surgery.

Individuals in the Austin area who have undergone DBS surgery or are considering this option and their families are welcome to join the DBS Support Group at 2 p.m., the third Friday of every month at Neurology Solutions Movement Disorders Center office.

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.

Who is a Candidate for Deep Brain Stimulation 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.

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.