How does deep brain stimulation help with Parkinso Essays - Medicine

How does deep brain stimulation help with Parkinso Essays - Medicine How does deep brain stimulation help with Parkinson disease Deep brain stimulation is a surgical procedure used to treat a variety of disabling neurological symptoms such as: tremor, stiffness, slowed movement and walking problems. What does deep brain stimulation involve? Deep brain stimulation involves implanting very fine wires with electrodes at their tips into the brain. These are connected to extensions that are tunneled under the skin behind the ear and down the neck. They are connected to a pulse generator (a device like a pacemaker), which is placed under the skin around the chest or stomach area. When the device is switched on, the electrodes deliver high frequency stimulation to the targeted area. This stimulation changes some of the electrical signals in the brain that cause the symptoms of Parkinson's. Your specialist or Parkinson's nurse will programme the device using a small portable computer. It may take several months to fully programme the stimulator and adjust your Parkinson's medication to get the most benefit from the surgery. Deep brain stimulation is a 'non-destructive' type of surgery, so it doesn't destroy any part of the brain. It's also reversible in many cases if no damage occurs during surgery. Surgery may take place under general anesthetic (when you are asleep) or you may be awake for part of the procedure - it depends at which Centre you have the surgery. What Are the Advantages of Deep Brain Stimulation? advantages . First, it does not require purposeful destruction of any part of the brain and therefore, has fewer complications than thalamotomy and pallidotomy . In addition, the electrical stimulation is adjustable and can be changed as the person's disease changes or his or her response to medications change. No further surgery is necessary to make the adjustments. Another significant advantage of deep brain stimulation relates to future treatments. Destructive surgery, such as thalamotomy or pallidotomy , may reduce the person's potential to benefit from future therapies. For example, future brain cell transplantation may be of great help to people with Parkinson's disease. There is concern that a pallidotomy or thalamotomy may prevent patients from benefiting from brain cell transplantation. This would not be the case with deep brain stimulation, as the stimulator could be turned off. Deep brain stimulation is a relatively safe procedure. The procedure can treat all the major symptoms of Parkinson's disease . Daily living tasks and quality of life are also improved. With subthalamic nucleus stimulation, medications can usually be reduced. The stimulator can also be turned off at any time if deep brain stimulation is causing excessive side effects. Possible Disadvantages : A small increased risk of infection. The implantation of any foreign object in the body carries that risk. Additional surgery may be needed if the equipment stops working or for battery replacement. Additional time on the part of the patient and health care provider to program device and adjust medications What can you expect after surgery? The surgery usually requires a 2-day hospital stay. Most people recover completely within about 6 weeks. It is best to discuss the risks associated with your neurologist because there are many risk factors, including underlying medical conditions.