SURGERY FOR PARKINSON'S DISEASE

At present, there is no cure for Parkinson's Disease, but a variety of medications can provide dramatic relief from the symptoms.

In some cases, surgery may be appropriate if the disease doesn't respond to drugs.

A therapy called deep brain stimulation (DBS) has been approved by the FDA.

In DBS, electrodes are implanted into the brain and connected to a small electrical device called a pulse generator that can be externally programmed.

DBS can reduce the need for levodopa and related drugs, which in turn decreases the involuntary movements called dyskinesias that are a common side effect of levodopa. It also helps to alleviate fluctuations of symptoms and to reduce tremors, slowness of movements, and gait problems.