Parkinson's Disease and Brain Pacemaker Surgery in Turkey
Discover Parkinson's Disease and Brain Pacemaker Surgery in Turkey
Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurological disorder characterized by motor symptoms such as tremors, stiffness, slowness of movement, and impaired balance and coordination. Brain pacemaker surgery, or DBS, involves implanting electrodes in the brain to deliver electrical impulses that help regulate abnormal brain activity and alleviate Parkinson’s symptoms.
Who May Benefit from Brain Pacemaker
Surgery?
Brain pacemaker surgery may be recommended for individuals with Parkinson’s disease who experience:
- Inadequate control of motor symptoms with medications alone.
- Fluctuations in medication effectiveness, such as “on-off” periods or dyskinesias (involuntary movements).
- Significant medication-related side effects.
- Candidates for DBS undergo a comprehensive evaluation to determine if they are suitable candidates for surgery.
The Surgical Process
Before surgery, patients undergo a thorough evaluation, including neurological examinations, imaging studies (such as MRI or CT scans), and neuropsychological assessments to assess cognitive function and psychiatric stability. During the first stage of surgery, electrodes (leads) are implanted into specific areas of the brain responsible for motor function, such as the subthalamic nucleus (STN) or globus pallidus internus (GPi). This is typically performed under local anesthesia with the patient awake to allow for intraoperative testing of symptom improvement. In the second stage of surgery, a pulse generator (similar to a pacemaker) is implanted under the skin near the collarbone and connected to the leads in the brain via extension wires. This device delivers electrical impulses to the brain to modulate abnormal neural activity and alleviate Parkinson’s symptoms.
Will DBS cure
Parkinson's disease?
DBS does not cure Parkinson’s disease, but it can significantly alleviate motor symptoms and improve quality of life for many patients.
Are there risks associated with DBS surgery?
Like any surgical procedure, DBS surgery carries risks, including infection, bleeding, stroke, and complications related to anesthesia. However, serious complications are rare, and the benefits of DBS often outweigh the risks for suitable candidates.
Will I still need to take medication after DBS surgery?
While DBS can reduce the need for Parkinson’s medications, many patients still require some degree of medication to manage symptoms. However, the dosage and frequency of medication may be significantly reduced.
