Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a chronic, degenerative, progressive and irreversible disease of the nervous system, characterized mainly by lack of coordination, muscle rigidity and tremors. It occurs when nerve cells (neurons) do not produce enough dopamine.
Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) is the most effective (cost-effective) treatment for advanced Parkinson’s disease, according to Evidence-Based Medicine.
The goal of surgery is for the patient to be at his or her best “ON” but without the complications of medication. Deep brain electrode implantation is a surgical intervention that does not cure PD, but does alleviate its symptomatology.
Improving symptoms and frequent complications
The symptoms that respond best to Deep Brain Neurostimulation are those that respond best to levodopa, i.e., tremor, rigidity, bradykinesia, walking and postural stability. In addition, the medication is reduced by approximately 50% and consequently the dyskinesias improve dramatically.
The most frequent complications that appear after surgery are:
- Headaches
- Drowsiness
- Pneumoencephalus
- Behavioral alterations
The mortality rate is low (0-1%) and usually occurs due to cerebral hemorrhage.