SURGERY FOR PARKINSON’S DISEASE GUIDE

Surgery for Parkinson’s disease (PD) has come a long way since it was first developed. Increasingly, patients with advanced PD who are having a difficult time with their medications turn to surgery as a possible treatment option. Brain surgery for PD is considered for individuals who experience disabling tremors, wearing off spells, and medication-induced dyskinesias. Deep brain stimulation, a sophisticated technique based on earlier surgical approaches, is the most recent advance in this rapidly evolving field. Surgery can be dramatically effective in some patients. In others, it may have only limited success. It is very important for all patients who are thinking of surgery for PD to be well informed about the procedures, and realistic in their expectations. It is hoped that this guide will answer some of the questions that patients and their families need to know.

Surgery for Parkinson’s Disease

BLAIR FORD, MD