Understanding Parkinson’s disease

Deep brain stimulation is a surgical procedure which can help greatly with the symptoms most commonly associated with Parkinson’s disease such as rigidity, stiffness, slowed movement and problems with walking and movement. However deep brain stimulation at the present is only an option for those sufferers whose medication doesn’t adequately control their symptoms.

What’s involved with deep brain stimulation?

The surgery is performed by inserting a battery operated device which is called a neurostimulator, the stimulator then sends out pulses to targeted areas of the brain that control the patients movement. This in turn blocks the abnormal brain signals which cause the tremors commonly associated with Parkinson’s disease.

Before the surgery can be performed the neurosurgeon will perform an MRI scan to determine the area within the brain where nerve signals generate the symptoms of Parkinson’s. The areas which are generally targeted are the thalamus, subthalamic nucleus and the globus pallidus.

The entire system used for the stimulation consists of three major parts the lead or electrode, the extension and the neurotransmitter itself. A small opening in the skull is made and then the electrode is inserted and implanted into the brain, with the tip of the electrode positioned within the targeted area of the brain.

The extension is then passed just underneath the skin of the neck, head and shoulder and attached to the neurostimulator. The neurostimulator which is the source of energy or the battery pack is then located under the skin near to the collar bone, or in some cases in the chest.

Having made sure the entire system is in place electrical impulses are then sent from the neurostimulator along the extension and lead up to the brain. These impulses then block the signals that cause the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease.

What is the prognosis?

Many patients who have undergone the surgery do say that their symptoms are considerably reduced and while they can significantly reduce the amount of medication needed they still need to take it. The actual amount of reduction varies greatly from person to person but all have said it has been a considerable amount.

Research

Currently research is continuing in deep brain stimulation to determine its reliability, safety and effectiveness as a treatment for Parkinson’s disease. Scientists are in particular studying the areas of the brain where the surgery would be most effective in the reducing symptoms.