Surgery for Parkinson's is typically considered when medications are no longer managing motor symptoms well enough, or when they're causing serious side effects. It's not a first step — it's usually explored after other treatments have been tried.
The most common surgical option is Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS), which Show Full Answer
Surgery for Parkinson's is typically considered when medications are no longer managing motor symptoms well enough, or when they're causing serious side effects. It's not a first step — it's usually explored after other treatments have been tried.
The most common surgical option is Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS), which involves placing a small electrode in the brain connected to a device that sends electrical signals to reduce symptoms. It tends to work best for people who have:
- Disabling tremors
- Motor fluctuations (times when medication "wears off")
- Dyskinesia (involuntary movements) caused by long-term medication use
Research suggests DBS benefits can last five years or more, though results vary by person. In rare cases where both medication and DBS don't provide enough relief, other surgical procedures may be considered:
- Thalamotomy — targets the part of the brain controlling tremors; used for severe cases
- Pallidotomy — helps with tremors, stiffness, and slowness, but is not recommended if levodopa hasn't worked well
- Subthalamotomy — also targets movement control areas to help reduce tremors
It's really important to have a detailed conversation with a neurologist who specializes in Parkinson's to understand which option, if any, might be right for your specific situation.
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