Surgery provides relief for Parkinson’s and other motion disorders

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) surgery, a procedure to lessen uncontrolled movement in people with Parkinson’s disease, essential tremor disorder and certain types of dystonia and movement disorders, is not only relieving symptoms but restoring quality of life in many cases.

According to Todd Vitaz, M.D., neurosurgery, some patients who have a movement disorder – characterized by abnormal brain activity that causes uncontrolled or slowed movements and rigidity – become reclusive because they are embarrassed by their condition.

“There’s a large population of people who have essential tremor disorder,” Dr. Vitaz said. “After they have the DBS procedure, they are able to feed and dress themselves, work and write. It makes a huge difference for them socially and psychologically.”

DBS surgery involves implanted electrodes in the brain. The electrodes are attached to thin leads burrowed under the skin in the chest. The leads are attached to a battery pack, called an IPG, which is implanted below the collarbone in a separate surgery. The electrodes deliver electrical impulses that block or override the abnormal brain activity.

Dr. Vitaz recently performed the surgery on a 72-year-old man who has Parkinson’s disease. Following the surgery to implant the IPG, the patient spent a week in rehabilitation, where neurologist David Houghton, M.D., monitored his progress and adjusted the stimulation parameters to allow for optimum symptom control.

“The patient now has decreased tremors, increased fluidity of motion and more fluent speech,” Dr. Vitaz said.

 DBS surgery has been practiced for more than 10 years, but it used to be a 10-hour procedure, ruling it out as a treatment option for many. Technology now has improved enough to shorten the surgery to 2½ to 3½ hours, making it a more viable treatment option.

After surgery, many patients are able to decrease their medications – another great benefit. But DBS surgery isn’t for everyone.

“We typically don’t recommend DBS surgery until all other treatments have been exhausted,” Dr. Vitaz said. “But for appropriate candidates, it can drastically improve their quality of life.”

–Cheryl Lockhart

Want to know more?

Norton Healthcare offers a wide range of specialized neurology services at several locations in Metro Louisville. DBS and other neurosurgery is available downtown at Norton Hospital. Norton Healthcare is the only health care system in the region to offer the most advanced technology and specialists like those at the Norton Leatherman Spine Center. For more information about Norton Healthcare’s neurology services, call (502) 629-1234.