Surgery can ease the symptoms of Parkinson’s, but it is not a cure. Because of the risks associated with brain surgery, it is usually not considered unless all appropriate medications have been tried but prove to be unsuccessful. When considering surgery, it is important to see both a neurologist and a brain surgeon who specialise in the treatment of Parkinson’s.
Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is one of a group of treatments involving surgical implantation of a medical device called a brain pacemaker, which sends electrical impulses to specific parts of the brain. This surgical procedure is used to treat severe essential tremor and tremor, rigidity and bradykinesia (slow movement) associated with Parkinson’s, as well as primary dystonia and other conditions.
