Parkinson's Disease (cont.)
IN THIS ARTICLE
Brain surgery may be considered when drugs fails to control symptoms of Parkinson's disease or cause severe or disabling side effects.
Surgery is not a cure for Parkinson's disease. Drugs are usually still needed after surgery. But surgery can reduce the number and amount of drugs needed to control symptoms. This reduces the side effects caused by drugs while at the same time controlling symptoms.
Neurotransplantation is an experimental procedure being studied for the treatment of Parkinson's disease. It involves implanting cells that produce dopamine into the brain. Information about the effectiveness of neurotransplantation is limited. And it is not a proven treatment or a realistic option for most people at this time.
What To Think About
A neurologist with special training in Parkinson's disease is most often the best kind of doctor to make a decision about surgery. If you might benefit from surgery or deep brain stimulation, your neurologist can refer you to a brain surgeon with experience doing these operations.
People who have extremely advanced Parkinson's or who have other serious conditions (such as heart or lung disease, cancer, or kidney failure) are not usually good candidates for surgery. Surgery is usually not considered for people who have dementia or psychiatric disorders.
eMedicineHealth Medical Reference from Healthwise
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