Each year, nearly 60,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. Parkinson’s is a degenerative neurological disorder that impairs movement, muscle control and balance. The disease usually affects people between the ages of 55 and 75 years old, but it also can develop in younger people. Although Parkinson’s is not considered fatal, the disease becomes more severe over time.
Get Healthy’s Jackie Hays has been following a Parkinson’s patient who is a candidate for an advanced surgical procedure that could give him more muscle control and balance.
If you want more information about the procedure or about Parkinson’s Disease you can call 629-1234.
July 12, 2011
DBS Procedure for Parkinson's Disease - Part Two
Parkinson’s disease is a degenerative neurological disorder that impairs movement, muscle control and balance. There is no cure for Parkinson’s, so patients must rely on medication to keep the disease under control.
Some Parkinson’s patients are candidates for a surgical procedure called deep brain stimulation, which can “turn off” or minimize unwanted movements and allow patients to use less medication. Get Healthy’s Jackie Hays has been following one Parkinson’s patient through this process. Today she takes us into the operating room for the deep brain stimulation procedure and shows us how it has changed this patient’s life.
Dr. Shanks says the best candidates for DBS surgery are those in their 50s and 60s whose medication is no longer producing the intended result. Candidates must also go through intense neuropsychiatric evaluations to determine their eligibility for the procedure.
