Parkinson’s disease is a neurological disorder that destroys neurons in the brain that send signals to the body relating to movement, mood, and more. Although there is currently no cure for Parkinson’s, there are treatments available that can help relieve symptoms. The most common treatment is medication, but in cases where medication is not practical or causes side effects, surgical options like deep brain stimulation (DBS) may be considered.
This article provides a detailed overview of surgical options for Parkinson’s disease, including information about the procedures and their success rates. While most people with Parkinson’s disease are treated with medication, some may benefit from surgical procedures that aim to destroy specific parts of the brain to relieve symptoms. These procedures include pallidotomy, thalamotomy, and sub-thalamotomy. However, these procedures are associated with significant risks, including the possibility of death. If surgical intervention is being considered, the attending specialist will discuss the potential risks and benefits of such an intervention with you.
This discussion will ensure that you are fully apprised of the possible outcomes of the proposed intervention, allowing you to make an informed decision best suited to your unique needs and circumstances.
Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is a type of surgery that has been used to treat Parkinson’s disease since the 1980s. The procedure entails the surgical implantation of a pulse generator analogous to a cardiac pacemaker within the thoracic region. This generator is connected to 1 or 2 fine wires placed under the skin and inserted precisely into specific areas in your brain. The pulse generator produces a tiny electric current, which runs through the wire and stimulates the part of your brain affected by Parkinson’s disease. The electrical pulses are targeted to the areas of the brain that control movement to block abnormal signals that produce symptoms like tremors. Areas of the brain that may be targeted include the thalamus, subthalamus, and the globus pallidus.
DBS is typically considered for people who have had Parkinson’s disease for four or more years, have significant times when their medication is not working well, and also have dyskinesia.
DBS can help relieve motor symptoms like Stiffness or rigidity, Slowness (bradykinesia), and tremors. The present treatment modality exhibits a superior efficacy profile with a reduced incidence of adverse effects compared to alternative therapeutic options in the context of Parkinson’s disease. While surgical intervention does not cure the disease, it can provide symptomatic relief for select patients.
After the initial implantation of electrodes and neurotransmitters used in DBS, changes to the stimulation system can be made noninvasively once you’ve recovered.
Your surgeon makes adjustments to the neurotransmitter’s programming remotely after the initial implantation. However, people with Parkinson’s who undergo surgery may experience complications such as delirium, swelling problems, blood pressure fluctuation, urinary tract infection, and constipation.
Limited data on the success rate of DBS in India are available, but studies have reported good outcomes for patients who undergo the procedure. For example, a review of studies on DBS for Parkinson’s disease found that the procedure significantly improved motor symptoms and quality of life for most patients. A recent survey evaluating the efficacy of Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) for essential tremors reported that the procedure reduced tremor severity by an average of 78%.
Nonetheless, it is imperative to acknowledge that DBS is a complex and intricate procedure that requires extensive expertise and experience. Furthermore, not all patients are suitable candidates for the procedure, and eligibility should be determined by carefully evaluating the patient’s medical history and circumstances. The success rate of DBS treatment in India is about 85%, with highly skilled neurosurgeons and well-equipped institutions.
Finally, it’s essential to remember that although DBS is minimally invasive, it is still a surgical procedure and carries some risks, including bleeding or infection in the brain. There is also a 1–3% chance of complications associated with anesthesia, such as stroke or infection. If you’re considering DBS, speak with our expert neurologists at the Royal Care Institute of Neurosciences in Coimbatore, Tamilnadu, to find out if it’s the best course of therapy for you. Our experienced team can answer any questions and help you decide your treatment options. You can contact us at 080623 58667.
