Recently, deep brain stimulation has become popular for treatment
of Parkinson’s disease. In this treatment, a permanent wire
electrode is implanted into the brain and connected to a battery
that sends constant electrical signals. These electrical signals
produce a reversible shutting off of certain brain cells that
are thought to become overactive in Parkinson’s disease.
Although
a non-destructive and reversible procedure, deep brain stimulation
is an invasive brain operation with risks associated with it (including
in some cases bleeding, seizures, infections and malfunction or
breakage of the stimulating system). However, deep brain stimulation
may be able to treat some symptoms of Parkinson’s disease
that neither the Gamma Knife nor radiofrequency procedure can effectively
treat. These symptoms include freezing spells, motor fluctuations,
gait and balance problems.
Members of the Northwest Hospital Gamma Knife Center neurosurgical
team offer radiofrequency procedures and deep brain stimulation
in addition to Gamma Knife procedures or treatment of Parkinson’s
disease. Our staff will tailor our recommendations in order to
offer the best course of treatment for each patient.
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