Parkinson’s disease is a degenerative neurological condition that affects certain nerve cells in the brain, often leading to shaking and uncontrollable body movements. The primary Parkinson’s disease treatment is medication, which can help control Parkinson’s disease symptoms. However, in some patients, medication may not effectively ease the symptoms, or while medications may be effective initially, the disease can progress over time and become more difficult to control with drugs. At Acıbadem Neurosurgery Department, we apply Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) surgery to control Parkinson’s disease patients’ symptoms and improve their movements. When medications can no longer ease muscle tremors or spasms, DBS treatment offered by Acıbadem at Türkiye brings hope to patients with Parkinson’s disease.
What is Parkinson’s disease?
Parkinson’s disease is a progressive disorder caused by the degeneration of nerve cells in some parts of the brain. Parkinson’s disease dramatically reduces the quality of life in patients. The most common and noticeable symptom is hand tremor, which might make it difficult for patients to perform tasks like eating, taking a bath, and handwriting. Some other symptoms of Parkinson’s disease include walking difficulty, body tremors, and muscle stiffness. Over time, Parkinson’s disease may slow patients’ movement. It can also cause speech and voice problems such as talking slowly, reduced volume, monotone pitch, and trouble saying words to name a few. At the end of the day, Parkinson’s disease may be a source of anxiety and frustration for patients.
Signs of Parkinson’s disease
One of the most significant signs of Parkinson’s disease is hand tremors. However, the condition involves much more than this. Depending on the severity of the disease, symptoms may vary and become more dramatic. For some patients, walking and leaving their homes may become impossible. Common signs of Parkinson’s disease include:
- Hand and/or body tremors
- Walking difficulties
- Muscle stiffness
- Speech and voice problems (such as slow speech, reduced volume, monotone pitch, or difficulty speaking)
- Memory and cognitive issues
What causes Parkinson’s disease?
Parkinson’s disease occurs when the activity of nerve cells responsible for producing a chemical called dopamine in the brain is disrupted or lost. What causes this change in these cells? While there is no definitive answer, several risk factors have been identified:
- Older age
- Head injuries: Famous boxer Muhammad Ali is a well-known figure who suffered from Parkinson’s disease during the last 32 years of his life. His story inspired studies exploring whether head injuries can cause Parkinson’s disease. A study titled Head Injuries and Parkinson’s Disease in a Case-Control Study, conducted on 403 individuals, showed that severe head traumas causing concussions and loss of consciousness are linked to the development of Parkinson’s disease.
- Genetics: Approximately 10% of Parkinson’s patients have a family history of the condition. One of Muhammad Ali’s doctors noted that he was genetically predisposed to Parkinson’s and that repeated punches to his head likely accelerated its onset and worsened the severity of the disease.
- Exposure to certain chemicals, such as pesticides
- Intracranial infections
- Atherosclerosis
- Excessive consumption of minerals, such as iron and manganese
What are Parkinson’s disease symptoms?
Hand tremor is the most common symptom of Parkinson’s disease, and tremors can also affect the entire body. Other symptoms of Parkinson’s disease may include slowed movement, difficulty walking, and muscle stiffness. Speech and voice problems are also common in patients. As a result of these challenges, patients may experience anxiety and frustration.
What are Parkinson’s disease Stages?
There are five Parkinson’s disease stages. The first two stages are considered early stages, during which patients are still able to live independently. However, in stage 2, tremors and other movement problems may be apparent. In stage 3, patients suffer from worsened motor symptoms, easy loss of balance, and falls. Even though independence is still possible in general. In Stage 4, even though, patients can still walk with a cane or walker, they need help for daily activities. In the last stage of, it may become impossible for patients to stand, and they will need assistance with all activities.
Parkinson’s disease Treatment?
There is no cure for Parkinson’s disease, but it is possible to alleviate symptoms with medication. However, some patients have drug-resistant Parkinson’s disease, which means the symptoms do not relieve no matter which medication is administered. Also, in the later stages of Parkinson’s disease, medications can lose efficiency. At that point, Deep Brain Stimulation surgery can be used to relieve Parkinson’s disease patients’ symptoms.
Parkinson’s disease Medication
The first step in Parkinson’s disease treatment is oral medications, which aim to manage the motor symptoms of the condition. Depending on the effectiveness of the drugs and the severity of the disease, Parkinson’s disease medications may be adjusted. This can include changing the drug, increasing the dose, or adding new drugs to the treatment plan. It is important to note that these medications may cause side effects, such as nausea and vomiting.
What You Need to Know About Deep Brain Stimulation
Here are some key points that patients should be aware of regarding DBS surgery, including:
- It is a valuable treatment option for patients with Parkinson’s disease, a condition that currently has no permanent cure.
- It does not harm the tissues or nerves in the brain and is regarded as a safe procedure.
- This approach to Parkinson’s disease treatment can significantly reduce Parkinson’s disease symptoms, enabling patients to maintain their independence.
- Over time, if the patient’s symptoms reappear after surgery, the brain electrodes can be fine-tuned in the examination room to alleviate the symptoms without requiring additional surgery.
- Once the electrodes are placed in the brain, the patient does not need to undergo another major surgery. Even when the stimulator’s battery runs out after a couple of years, it can be replaced with a simple procedure under local anesthesia.
What is Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS)?
DBS is a surgical procedure that involves placing a wire electrode in a specific area of the brain and a stimulator under the collarbone. The stimulator sends electrical pulses to the electrode, helping regulate abnormal electrical signaling patterns in the brain. The procedure helps to restore control of movements and a return to normal life by reducing roughly 80% of the tremors. Patients with Parkinson’s disease experience a significant reduction of muscle stiffness by 70%. Patients’ walking ability also improves by 50%. After a period following the surgery, in case the patient’s symptoms return, it is possible to fine-tune the current of the electrical stimuli and ease the symptoms using a remote control.
Why is DBS used?
When the disease cannot be managed by drugs and patient complaints intensify, it may be considered to apply DBS surgery. Thus, patients’ life quality can be enhanced. DBS may yield a massive improvement in the quality of life for both patients and their relatives. Patients who were previously unable to eat, write, or walk without help due to tremors and muscle stiffness now have a chance to regain the ability to perform these activities and more. DBS surgery revolutionizes Parkinson’s disease treatment.
Parkinson’s disease Treatment in Turkey
Acıbadem is one of the internationally pioneering leaders in the treatment of neurological disorders in the world. Today, Acıbadem Neurosurgery Department offers extensive neurosurgery services to patients from curing cerebrovascular diseases to easing Parkinson’s disease, treating brain tumors to addressing congenital malformations and the list goes on. At Acıbadem Neurosurgery Department, we apply Deep Brain Stimulation surgery to control Parkinson’s disease patients’ symptoms and improve their movements. When medications can no longer ease muscle tremors or spasms, DBS treatment offered by Acıbadem Healthcare Group at Türkiye brings hope to patients with Parkinson’s disease.
Acıbadem’s experienced and dedicated neurosurgeons strive for outstanding outcomes, aiming to enhance the quality of life for patients with movement disorders. Successfully conducting over 1000 Deep Brain Stimulation procedures to date, currently active neurosurgeons at Acıbadem Healthcare Group stand out as frontrunners in performing DBS surgeries, which showcases their extensive experience and expertise in this specialized field.
When Should I See a Healthcare Provider?
For patients experiencing the symptoms mentioned above, it is recommended to see a neurologist as soon as possible. If symptoms are severe and/or medications are not effective in easing them, DBS surgery may be considered. If you are unsure whether DBS is appropriate for your condition, you can reach out to Acıbadem via the contact form for a thorough evaluation by movement-disorder-trained neurologists and neurosurgeons.
Why Acıbadem for Treatment?
Turkey is one of the most popular destinations for patients worldwide seeking high-quality healthcare services. Acıbadem is the leading private healthcare provider in Turkey. For the past nine years, it has ranked first among healthcare institutions serving the highest number of international patients. In 2023, Acıbadem welcomed 55,000 patients from 148 different countries. We believe that our dedication to providing the best care, world-renowned experts, cutting-edge technologies, patient-centered approach, and high-level teamwork has played a significant role in making us the first choice for patients and their families.
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