Is Deep Brain Stimulation advisable for Parkinson’s Disease?

3 Comments

1. Mags says:

   July 10, 2009 at 6:54 am

   Although some people might consider the answer to this question a coin toss, it is really a decision for the patient and the physician to decide.

   There are about 50,000 DBS surgeries performed worldwide every year.

   I am going to quote parts of the Parkinson’s Focus Today article about DBS surgery. I suggest you not only read the entire blog but also click on the links to determine if you are a good candidate, to view two videos about DBS surgery, to read the medical history of DBS surgery.
   There is also a clinical trial for DBS if you happen to live in Norway.

   http://parkinsonsfocustoday.blogspot.com/2009/03/dbs-surgery-basics-for-parkinsons.html

   There are some cons to DBS and I will cite from the article here:
   "The complicated procedure is not without its negative side effects in some cases. There have been neuro-cognitive changes even when there is improvement in motor function. Depression, falls, gait disturbance, motor dysfunction, dystonia, balance and cardiac issues are also side effects in some patients. Sometimes there are infections at the pacemaker site which is usually in the chest. These symptoms may depend upon where the electrodes are placed. If Optogenics is developed to the point of state of the art for PD and use in DBS, we will certainly see far more precision in the placement of the electrodes."

   The problem is that with PD, time is often of the essence. For those who find control in the agonists which often slow progression or in the antagonists (for whom time may be ticking away) waiting may be an option until more accuracy can be developed. Those on antagonists - L-dopa - do not have as much time to wait.

   Patients who have found success in the surgery have often been able to reduce medications - usually the levadopa-carbidoa meds - and have been very pleased to see a reduction of their symptoms.

   It is surgery which will eventually become somewhat less invasive. The electrodes can be removed if the surgery is unsuccessful but that will not necessarily return the patient to a pre-surgical status.

   It is an expensive surgery, not without risk and needs more than just the Yahoo Answers opinions.

   You can read some interesting observations on Facebook in the Michael J Fox Foundation discussion topics about DBS.

   You will also get a variety of opinions at Patients Like Me if you become a member as either a patient of a caregiver.
   http://www.patientslikeme.com/
   (You’ll have to search because unless you are a member a direct link won’t work)
   My suggestion is that you read the Parkinson’s Focus article first and then go to PLM if you or a person close to you is considering Deep Brain Stimulation.
2. G B says:

   July 10, 2009 at 6:54 am

   Well, its a treatment usually reserved for advanced cases (IE when medication is no longer effective), and it works better for some patients than others. It also depends on what they (the doctors) are trying to accomplish, such as, tremor control, walking, speech etc.. It is certainly a serious consideration, but, if its a promising choice and the only choice for some then go for it.
3. Karen says:

   July 10, 2009 at 6:54 am

   Honestly, I would say young onset patients would be best to benefit from this, those under the age of 50. Just my opinion that one over the age of 50 who considers this, regardless of how many procedures have been done, there are as with any surgeries "risks involved"
   The older you are the more risk. And medications now can do just as well for someone 50 and over as the dbs. Keep in mind that there are battery replacements etc.. it is not something you just go in for and done, that’s it, you have to maintain it, and still take medication as well.