dystonia Archives - Neurology Solutions

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.

Botox® therapy for movement disorders

Therapeutic botulinum toxin, commonly referred to as Botox therapy, has been used to treat neuromuscular disorders for over 30 years. Botox® injections can be used effectively to relax excessive muscle contraction in individuals with movement disorders. Botox is a mainstay treatment of dystonia.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Physical Therapy at Neurology Solutions with Dr. Eric Rhoden

Movement Disorders require Specialized Care

Movement disorders are complex diseases with physical and psychological symptoms that can affect not only the patient, but those close to them. No one test, scan or checklist can accurately diagnose movement disorders. Choosing the right physician to diagnose and manage the condition is an important decision.