Deep Brain Stimulation - Parkinsons Treatment Option
It Improves The Patient's Quality of Life...
Among the newest Parkinsons treatment is a surgical procedure that implants a thin, metal
electrode into one of several spots in the brain and attaches it to a computerized pulse generator similar to a
heart pacemaker. The treatment is called Deep Brain Stimulation, or DBS for short, and it's one of the most
promising treatments for long term control of the worst symptoms of Parkinson's. According to a recent study that
followed 79 patients who'd had bilateral (both sides) DBS performed for two years after the surgery,
DBS as Parkinsons treatment improves the patient's quality of life, and these improvements are maintained in the long term. In
addition, improvements in quality of life are strongly related to improvements in functional ability, particularly
that affected by bradykinesia.
How does DBS work?
The theory behind DBS is that the electrical stimulation on certain areas of the brain can
temporarily reverse the effects of the loss of dopamine by providing a similar effect. Rather than focusing on the
area of the brain that produces dopamine, DBS stimulates secondary areas of the brain that are affected by the dopamine.
Will I look like Herman Munster?
All parts of the system are internal. None of the wires come through the skin, so no one will be able
to tell that you're wearing an electronic
stimulator.
How does a doctor decide if I'm a good candidate for DBS?
The decision to try DBS is one that should be made by your doctor after an evaluation of your
symptoms and your general health. Studies have shown that those
who benefit the most from DBS are those who are in good general health, maintain normal memory and cognitive
functioning, and are still responding (at least some of the
time) to treatment with levodopa.
What are the benefits of DBS as Parkinsons treatment?
DBS seems to suppress the same symptoms of Parkinson's disease that L-dopa does. Symptoms that
don't respond to L-dopa don't usually respond to DBS. The main benefit of DBS is that it makes movements during the
off state of medication more like those during the on state. It also seems to reduce the dyskinesia associated with long
term treatment with L-dopa. So far, there's no evidence that DBS slows the progression of the actual disease or halts the dying of the dopamine producing cells in the
brain.
What are the risks of DBS as Parkinsons treatment?
The major risk associated with DBS is bleeding in the brain, which may produce a stroke. There's a 2%
risk of that happening, and if it does, it generally
happens within the first couple of hours after surgery. In addition, there's a 4% risk of infection in the brain after
the implantation of the electrodes, which will
necessitate removal of the entire system. It can usually be replaced after the infection subsides.
Does insurance cover DBS?
Medicare now covers DBS. Private insurance carriers may vary. It's best to make sure of your
coverage before entering the hospital.
You may also be interested in...
Newest Parkinsons Treatment
Better life for Parkinsons patients
www.FamilyHealthCorner.com/Parkinsons
