Brain Stimulation Eases Parkinson’s Symptoms
Brain stimulation treatment relieves symptoms in Parkinson’s patients
05.01.2024 16:10
Brain and Nerve Surgery Specialist Op. Dr. Mehmet Feryat Demirhan made statements about the brain battery. Op. Dr. Demirhan stated that brain stimulation, which is generally considered a surgical method in patients who do not respond despite the use of multiple medications, makes it possible to obtain promising results, especially in Parkinson’s disease.
Emphasizing that the neurostimulator, which is based on the logic that a battery placed in the abdomen or chest area with thin cables extending to the brain nucleus with a very sensitive method, provides a regular flow of electricity, it helps the reorganization of nerve cells. Dr. Demirhan said, “Thanks to the brain battery, the electrodes placed on the patient can be controlled without contacting the patient, and the disease can be taken under control by making adjustments to correct the patient’s complaints. Brain pacemaker operations performed using advanced technology carry less risk than other brain and neurosurgery operations. “The quality of life of patients who undergo brain stimulation surgery, especially Parkinson’s patients, can continue their daily lives as normal,” he said.
“Effective in relieving symptoms”
Brain pacemaker therapy is used in the treatment of disorders such as Parkinson’s disease, epilepsy, tremor disorders in some parts of the body (Essential Tremor), involuntary contraction diseases in some parts of the body (Dystonia), Obsessive compulsive disorders and major depression, and patients recover very quickly after brain battery operations. Stating that they were able to return to their daily lives, Op. Dr. Demirhan said:
“Especially the daily lives of Parkinson’s patients and patients with involuntary contractions change depending on these symptoms. Reasons such as tremors and excessive muscle contraction cause patients to be unable to control their movements. Thanks to a brain battery, patients suffering from these symptoms return to the initial stages of their disease. While the majority of patients who undergo brain stimulation surgery reduce their medication doses, some stop taking the medications they use completely. Although brain stimulation is effective on symptoms, it does not completely eliminate the disease. Most neurological diseases occur due to damage to certain parts of the brain. “Brain pacemaker does not restore these damaged areas to their normal state, but it is effective in relieving symptoms such as tremors, inability to control movement, and slowness of movements in the patient, which develop due to the dysfunction of this region.”
It is preferred in Parkinson’s patients
Op said that minimizing these symptoms, especially in Parkinson’s patients, is achieved thanks to the brain battery. Dr. Demirhan said, “Individuals who are in the 10th year of the disease and have advanced Parkinson’s disease can return to the first stage of the disease after brain stimulation operations. “Patients who cannot perform their daily tasks such as buttoning a shirt, preparing food or tying their shoes and who are disconnected from social life can continue their daily lives without needing help,” he said.
Stating that the purpose of brain stimulation applications is to provide electrical stimulation at regular intervals to the damaged and impaired electrical activity of the brain, Op. Dr. Demirhan said, “For this purpose, it is first necessary to map the brain of the patients. MRI and other imaging methods are used for the map. Then, taking this map into consideration, the areas where the electrodes should be placed are determined and thin cables that will provide electrical activity are placed in these determined areas. The battery that will give the electrical stimulation is placed under the collarbone or in the chest cavity. “Although the general outlines of brain stimulation surgery are like this, a series of procedures are performed before, during and after the surgery,” he said.
“Brain stimulation surgeries can affect patients not only physically but also psychologically.”
Stating that various tests and examinations were performed to determine the conditions of the patients before the surgery, Op. Dr. Demirhan said, “MRI and brain tomography are imaging methods used to create brain maps of patients. In addition, some tests are performed to determine the suitability of patients for anesthesia. “Blood tests and urine tests are performed to find out the general condition of the patient.”
Pointing out that brain stimulation surgeries can affect patients not only physically but also psychologically, Op. Dr. Demirhan said, “Therefore, psychiatric interviews are held for patients deemed appropriate by physicians and the patients are relieved. “After listening to the patient’s medical history, learning about the medications used, and these examinations and tests, the patient is ready for surgery,” he said.
Touching on how the surgery is performed, Op. Dr. Demirhan gave the following information:
“Brain stimulation surgeries can be performed while the patient is awake or under anesthesia. This is determined according to the patient’s disease and physician preference. In surgeries performed while the patient is awake, surgeons make a small hole in the area where local anesthesia is applied and electrodes are placed in the areas determined on the brain map. Although the patients are conscious during this procedure and the adjustment of the electrodes, there is no pain or sensation of pain. Batteries are placed under the skin of patients, usually in the rib cage. Therefore, general anesthesia is applied to patients so that they do not feel any pain during the operation. In the surgery, which is performed by putting the patient to sleep under anesthesia, the patient is first put to sleep. Then, the electrodes are placed in the targeted area and then the battery placement is performed in the same session. Brain stimulation surgeries are among the safest brain operations. Although surgery times vary from patient to patient, the average is between 2-5 hours.”
