Deep Brain Stimulation on MedicineNet.com

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Deep Brain Stimulation (cont.)

First, it does not require purposeful destruction of any part of the brain and therefore, has fewer complications than thalamotomy and pallidotomy.
In addition, the electrical stimulation is adjustable and can be changed as the person's disease changes or his or her response to medications change. No further surgery is necessary to make the adjustments.
Another significant advantage of deep brain stimulation relates to future treatments. Destructive surgery, such as thalamotomy or pallidotomy, may reduce the persons potential to benefit from future therapies. For example, future brain cell transplantation may be of great help to people with Parkinson's disease. There is concern that a pallidotomy or thalamotomy may prevent patients from benefiting from brain cell transplantation. This would not be the case with deep brain stimulation, as the stimulator could be turned off.
Deep brain stimulation is a relatively safe procedure.
The procedure can treat all the major symptoms of Parkinsons disease.
Daily living tasks and quality of life are also improved.
With subthalamic nucleus stimulation, medications can usually be reduced.

The stimulator can also be turned off at any time if deep brain stimulation is causing excessive side effects.

Possible Disadvantages:

Increased risk of infection. The implantation of any foreign object carries that risk.
Additional surgery may be needed if the equipment stops working or for battery replacement
Additional time on the part of the patient and health care provider to program device and adjust medications
Device may interfere with antitheft devices, refrigerator door magnets.

Next: How effective is the surgery? »

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