Why Awake DBS Is Still The Best Parkinson’s Disease Treatment

If you’re curious about deep brain stimulation (DBS), you’re not alone. It’s one of the most promising Parkinson’s disease treatments out there for patients whose symptoms can’t be controlled with medications. Here at Neurology Solutions Movement Disorders Center, we implant DBS leads in very specific parts of the brain — accurate to under a millimeter […]

advances treating Parkinsons

Roundup: 10 Advances in Understanding, Treating Parkinson’s

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a complex multi-system brain disorder impacting movement and the regulation of mood. Strides have been made in understanding the mechanism of PD and ways to prevent neurodegenerative diseases and slow disease progression. From treating depression to dancing to yoga therapy to implementing the comprehensive MEND protocol, read on for a roundup of 10 Latest Advances in Understanding and Treating Parkinson’s.

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.

YOPD patient Austin neurology clinic

YOPD patient unveils glass mosaic at neurology clinic

Last fall, Neurology Solutions Movement Disorders Center commissioned an art installation from YOPD patient Alex Andron, who creates mosaic art as part of his Parkinson’s management. The Austin artist unveiled the piece–a glass mosaic artwork depicting the icon in the Neurology Solutions logo–earlier this month in the neurology clinic’s patient waiting area.

Andron says deep brain stimulation surgery has played an important role in allowing him to restore the fine motor skills needed to pursue his craft.

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.

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.

Metabolic Enhancements for Parkinson’s, DBS Topics of Talk

Dr. Robert Izor and the Neurology Solutions care team will lead a panel discussion on key topics of interest to the Parkinson’s community, including treatment options and the latest Parkinson’s research breakthroughs, during an upcoming meeting of the Capital Area Parkinson’s Society. The Neurology Solutions providers panel will discuss Deep Brain Stimulation surgery (DBS) as well as metabolic enhancements for Parkinson’s disease as a way to slow the progression of neurodegenerative disease process.

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.

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.

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