Early Parkinson’s procedures involved lesioning the brain,
which permanently killed the neurons. There is now a surgery that can be done where
electrodes are implanted into the brain to lessen Parkinson’s symptoms. This
new procedure doesn’t result in any permanent brain injury, and it is a
reversible treatment that can be completely removed.
In this procedure electrodes are implanted into the brain to
continuously stimulate specific parts of the brain. These local stimulations
have been shown to improve some of the Parkinson’s symptoms. It treats symptoms
such as tremors, rigidity and bradykinesia over time. However, unfortunately it
doesn’t’ help with advanced symptoms such as problems thinking or problems with
balance and speech. The stimulation effects have been shown to work for at
least five to seven years. They aren’t exactly sure why stimulation seems to
improve the symptoms. There are theories that it may be due to temporarily
changing the way neurons are firing and establishing a more normal firing
pattern.
This isn’t a high-risk surgery for the most part, but there
is a risk for stroke or hemorrhaging. Most patients recover fairly quickly and
are back to their baseline in a week. The device can also be adjusted so the
stimulations can be increased or deceased.
Also if problems occur it can be turned off completely.
My grandmother has Parkinson's so I think this is very interesting research. I would be a little uneasy with doctors implanting something in her brain especially at her age. However, I have seen how the symptoms can negatively impact someones life and I think many people with Parkinson's would be ecstatic to have a way to lessen their symptoms so they could go on with their daily lives. What do you guys think about this option for Parkinson’s
treatment?
This post is interesting to me because my grandmother also suffers from Parkinson's disease. I can understand the value of the treatment for those diagnosed at a younger age or with few health problems but many people who suffer from Parkinson's are elderly. I know my grandmother would probably not be able to withstand a brain surgery so while it may help some it would not be useful for a large group of people suffering from the disease. That being said, I believe that any treatment that could help those suffering from this horrible disease is worth further investigation
ReplyDeleteMy husband is 54 and has had Parkinson’s for around 3-4 years. It is a debilitating disease that only gets worse and needs some serious funding to find out 1 because the cure is out there. What causes it and 2. some better treatment for it which multivitamincare .org have the guaranteed cure for PD. He takes over 8 weeks treatment from Multivitamin care formula that finally cure him,as there is no-one available to help unless you have over $4,000.00 per week to pay for a Nurse, but with this herbal system you can get rid of your Parkinson effectively ,he had tremors for several years and was gradually becoming worse before we found PD supplement from Multivitamincare that was able to get rid of my husband disease and alleviate all symptoms within the short period of his usage.,they have the best medication for PD.
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