Parkinson's disease is a chronic condition that affects the central nervous system, leading to movement disorders. One of the methods used for its treatment is "deep brain stimulation." Here's what you need to know about Parkinson's disease and deep brain stimulation treatment.
Parkinson’s Disease and Deep Brain Stimulation: A Hopeful Approach to Movement Disorders
Parkinson’s disease is a chronic and progressive disease that occurs when the substance we call dopamine decreases in the brain and is usually seen in older ages. The disease almost always begins with symptoms seen in one half of the body and progresses slowly. Slowness of movements, hand tremors that are usually seen at rest and can be described as counting money, stiffness and stiffness in the joints, walking with small steps and gait disorders are the most important disease findings that impair the quality of life of patients. In addition to these complaints and findings, speech disorders, mask face due to loss of facial expressions, constipation due to decreased bowel movements, decreased ability to smell, tension and pain in joints and muscles, sleep problems, depression and some psychological problems are also symptoms of the disease that cause considerable complaints. can be counted among them.
Symptoms of Parkinson’s disease may differ from person to person. The most common symptoms include tremors in the hands, slow movement, muscle stiffness and balance problems.
Once the disease is diagnosed, drug treatment is started. For the first few years, patients can return to their lives before they got sick, as if they had never been sick. This period is called the honeymoon period. However, in the following years, as complaints such as tremors, freezing, stiffness and slowness of movement cannot be controlled despite drug treatment, the duration of closed periods during the day increases, and involuntary movements such as dancing occur with increasing drug doses, it can be said that it is time to consider brain stimulation surgery. Brain stimulation surgery is not recommended for the first 5 years from the moment of diagnosis. The most important reason for this is that Parkinson’s disease can be confused with other diseases. Unfortunately, in this type of diseases called Parkinson plus, brain stimulation surgeries do not give as successful results as in Parkinson’s disease.
In cases of refractory Parkinson’s disease, where patients do not respond to drug treatments, Deep Brain Stimulation therapy can be considered. This method relies on the principle of placing electrodes in specific areas of the brain and stimulating these electrodes through a device. Tests conducted to assess suitability for the surgery have shown Deep Brain Stimulation to be a highly effective method for patients deemed appropriate candidates. It has been particularly promising for patients with symptoms such as tremors, freezing, rigidity, bradykinesia, and involuntary movements. Above all, patients have been able to overcome the restrictions in their daily lives. The periods referred to as the “off phases,” where patients spend most of their day immobile, are significantly reduced. This grants patients a substantial degree of freedom in their lives. Additionally, the dosages of medications used can be reduced after surgery, freeing patients from the known side effects of Parkinson’s medications. However, there are a few important points that patients and their families need to be aware of. Deep Brain Stimulation is not a cure that completely halts Parkinson’s disease. Unfortunately, the disease continues to progress over the years. Nevertheless, for suitable patients, Deep Brain Stimulation is considered the best treatment available today. This opinion has been validated several times through scientific studies. Comparative scientific research, especially with patients undergoing drug therapy, has demonstrated the superiority of Deep Brain Stimulation. Thus, for patients deemed suitable, Deep Brain Stimulation treatments have actually become a right for the patient.
Deep Brain Stimulation surgeries are not procedures that can be decided upon by a single physician. To determine whether Parkinson’s patients are suitable for surgery, we admit our patients to our Deep Brain Stimulation center for a few days. During this period, our experienced movement disorder neurologists at the center first check if the patients are receiving the most appropriate drug therapy. If necessary, we add new medications. Subsequently, our neurologists apply detailed tests to measure the degree of Parkinson’s disease during medicated and unmedicated phases, that is, during their ‘on’ and ‘off’ periods. Based on the results of these tests, we decide whether they are neurologically suitable for surgery. If we find our patients suitable for surgery, they are then subjected to a thorough examination by our psychiatrist. We also administer detailed neuropsychological tests by our neuropsychologist to assess our patients’ dementia or cognitive states. We perform brain MRI imaging on all our patients to detect any issues that could preclude surgery. Furthermore, our anesthesiologist conducts a meticulous preliminary examination to rule out any conditions that could be a contraindication for surgery. After this approximately three-day process, the collective decision of our collaborating neurologists, neurosurgeons, psychiatrists, and neuropsychologist at our center determines whether we find our patients suitable for Deep Brain Stimulation surgery or not. For those deemed suitable, we communicate our evaluation results, thoroughly explain the potential therapeutic effects of the surgery and its possible risks. If they accept the Deep Brain Stimulation treatment, we schedule a surgery appointment for a reasonable date in the future, discharge them with necessary recommendations. For patients we find unsuitable for surgery, we explain the reasons for our decision, adjust their medication treatments, and send them home with a follow-up appointment and relevant recommendations.
Deep Brain Stimulation has proven to be a highly effective method for patients deemed suitable for this surgery following rigorous testing. It shows particularly promising results for patients suffering from symptoms such as tremors, freezing, stiffness, bradykinesia, and involuntary movements. Above all, it liberates patients from the constraints they experience in their daily lives. For those who spend a large part of their day immobile, the durations referred to as the ‘off’ periods are significantly reduced. This provides patients with a substantial degree of freedom in their lives. Moreover, we can often reduce the doses of medication that they require post-surgery, thereby alleviating the known side effects of Parkinson’s medications. However, there are a few important points that patients and their families need to be aware of. Deep Brain Stimulation is not a cure that completely halts Parkinson’s disease; unfortunately, the disease continues to progress over the years. Nevertheless, for suitable patients, it is considered the best treatment available today, a claim that is substantiated by numerous scientific studies. Specifically, comparative scientific research with patients on drug therapy has demonstrated the superiority of Deep Brain Stimulation. Thus, for patients who are found to be eligible, undergoing Deep Brain Stimulation is virtually becoming a patient right.
Other methods used to treat Parkinson’s disease include medication, physiotherapy and speech therapy. These methods can help relieve patients’ symptoms and improve their quality of life.
DBS is a procedure that involves implanting a device that sends electrical stimulations to specific areas in the brain. In Parkinson’s disease, this treatment is used to control motor symptoms.
It is generally suitable for advanced stage Parkinson’s patients who do not respond to medication treatment. The patient’s overall health condition and compliance with specific criteria are also evaluated.
DBS treatment does not cure Parkinson’s disease, but it can improve quality of life by controlling symptoms.
The effect of DBS treatment varies from person to person, but it provides symptom control for many patients over many years.
The surgical procedure usually takes a few hours. The patient’s hospital stay is generally a few days.
The battery life of the DBS device usually varies between 3-5 years. A minor surgical procedure is required to replace the battery.
The cost varies depending on the health institution performing the treatment and the geographical location. Health insurance and financial support options should also be considered. Turkey offers health services of comparable quality to these countries, equipped with modern medical techniques and equipment, while also presenting much more economical treatment options, especially when compared to Europe and many other countries.
Most patients experience significant improvements in motor symptoms after treatment. However, regular follow-up and sometimes medication treatment should continue.
Regular doctor check-ups, optimization of device settings, and rehabilitation programs if needed are recommended after the treatment.
Parkinson’s Disease and Brain Stimulator Treatment is considered a promising approach in resistant cases. Movement control can be achieved with brain stimulation and the quality of life of patients can be improved. For suitable candidates, this treatment method can offer greater freedom of movement and comfort.
You can take the first step by calling us for the diagnosis of your disease or filling out our online form. Our experts will contact you and evaluate your needs and health history.
Our professional consultants will contact you to provide detailed information about your health status. They will answer your questions and illuminate you about treatment options.
Your illness Dr. Ersoy Kocabıçak will examine and if the treatment is deemed appropriate, it will create a customized treatment plan with all information from you. If you come out for treatment, we will invite you to our treatment center in Turkey.