Relief for Some Parkinson’s Patients and Others with Movement Problems

Simple tasks such as using a fork and knife or walking can be impossible for people with Parkinson’s Disease and other neurological conditions.  These individuals suffer such symptoms as tremor, stiffness and slowed movement.  Some may be at risk of falling.  While medication can help many patients, it cannot alleviate symptoms for everyone, and many patients may develop tolerance to the medication or experience side effects.  For those patients, Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) may make a difference.

“Deep Brain Stimulation involves surgically implanting a device similar to a heart pacemaker which delivers electrical stimulation to areas in the brain that control movement,” explains Benjamin Remington, MD, neurosurgeon.  “The electrical impulses can interfere with and block the electrical signals that cause Parkinson’s symptoms.”

The device consists of an electrode inserted through a small opening in the skull and implanted in the brain.  An extension connects the lead to a neurostimulator, which is usually implanted under the skin near the collarbone.  Because DBS enables physicians to target the area of the brain to be stimulated, it should not damage healthy brain tissue.  The device can be turned on or off by the patient.  Patients with Essential Tremor will turn the device off at night, since tremors generally stop during sleep.

Some patients with DBS have experienced a reduction of their symptoms, and consequently may be able to reduce their medications.  That, in turn, can lead to improvement in medication side effects.

To learn more about this exciting new procedure, please call 888.284.6641.

Related Links
National Parkinsons Foundation: http://www.parkinson.org/site