Got Brain? Parkinson’s Treatments Get a Boost from Brain Surgery

Brain surgery (also referred to as neurosurgery) is considered a last resort for Parkinson’s sufferers due to its risky nature. However it is considered to be the only available option for people who’s disease is deemed severe or is progressing at an alarming rate. Surgery is not the best option for all patients as there are very strict criteria and guidelines to adhere to. It is essential to sit down and talk at length with your doctor in order to decide if your situation warrants surgery and if indeed you are a good candidate for it. The three most undertaken forms of brain surgery include pallidotomy, thalamotomy and deep brain stimulation.

Pallidotomy is named for the area of the brain known as the pallidum. In this surgical procedure an electric probe is inserted into the brain and its purpose is to measure the level of abnormal electrodes. Once this measurement is taken, another similar probe is inserted into the brain which delivers a number of small electrical shocks meant to destroy the problem area. The patient is often awake for the procedure and the results can be seen right away. It is estimated that 10-20 percent of advanced Parkinson’s patients are able to benefit from pallidotomy. However this is an extremely risky procedure as it requires an incision in the globus pallidus which is located in the center of the brain (the striatum) and controls the body’s movements.

Thalamotomy is surgery that involves the removal of the thalamus part of the brain. It is the thalamus that controls involuntary movements, therefore removing it ceases involuntary problems relating to this disease. Thalamotomy is only effective for disabling tremors as it does not have the ability to relieve other symptoms. There are approximately 5-10 percent of patients with severe tremors in their hands and arms who can experience relief from this particular symptom. This form of surgery has proven to reduce or completely do away with tremors in as many as 90 percent of sufferers.

Deep brain stimulation (abbreviated to DBS and also sometimes referred to as neurostimulation) is a surgical procedure that involves implanting permanent electrodes in the thalamus of the brain where the dopamine nerve cells have been impaired and/or died off completely. Repeated pulses of electricity, distributed by means of an adult heart pacemaker are then used to stimulate the area in order to control the erratic symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. This technique has been gaining in popularity in the past several years and is proving to be very effective.

Another brain surgery that is sometimes undertaken is called thalamic stimulation. This surgical procedure involves the insertion of an electrode wire into the thalamus of the brain. The opposite end of the wire is connected to a device called a pulse generator. This generator is positioned under skin in the chest area and can yield many of the same benefits as its counterpart, the thalamotomy surgery, but not as many of the disadvantages. Little if any wounds are inflicted or scars left on the skin with thalamic stimulation. Much like thalamotomy, this type of surgery has proven very effective in controlling tremors for those suffering from Parkinson’s disease.