Surgical Treatment of Parkinson's
Parkinson’s disease is a neurological disorder characterized by the gradual degeneration of brain cells, resulting in the depletion of a neurotransmitter called dopamine and affecting motor skills and movement control. In the treatment of Parkinson’s disease, medication is typically used, but in advanced cases, medications may be inadequate or their side effects may become bothersome. In such cases, surgical treatment may be considered. Surgical treatment options for Parkinson’s disease include Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) and lesion surgery.
Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) is a treatment method that involves the placement of thin electrodes into the brain and delivering electrical stimulation to the brain through these electrodes. DBS treatment can help reduce or control the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. The electrodes are precisely placed in specific brain regions, and electrical stimulation is delivered to the targeted areas through a battery-like device called a pulse generator.
Lesion surgery is another surgical method used to control the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, and it involves the creation of controlled lesions in specific brain regions. In this surgical procedure, selective destruction of brain tissue is performed in the targeted areas. Lesion surgery can help reduce or control the severity of symptoms, but it can also lead to irreversible brain damage in some cases.
The surgical treatment of Parkinson’s disease is individually evaluated based on each patient’s condition and the characteristics of their symptoms. Factors such as the patient’s overall health status, the severity of symptoms, the response to medication treatment, and the informed preferences of the patient are taken into consideration when determining the treatment option.