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Deep Brain Stimulation Helps Parkinson's Patients at the Louis J. Gogela Neurosciences Institute
Date: April 26, 2007
Contact: Stacy Bingham (402) 481-8689
LINCOLN, Neb. - Patients with Parkinson's disease and related movement disorders have new hope thanks to neurosurgeons at the Louis J. Gogela Neuroscience Institute at BryanLGH Medical Center West. A modern surgical treatment called deep brain stimulation decreases uncontrollable tremors and improves the effects of rigidity, allowing patients with Parkinson's disease to improve their lives.
Neurosurgeon Benjamin Gelber MD, performed the first procedure at BryanLGH West, April 10.
Deep brain stimulation (DBS) suppresses tremors by delivering mild electrical stimulation to targeted areas in the brain. The constant stimulation helps interfere with and block abnormal brain signals that cause rigidity and tremors in patients with Parkinson's disease. DBS also may reduce the duration of involuntary movements that are a common side effect of medications used to treat Parkinson's disease.
A surgically implanted device, called a neurostimulator, functions like a pacemaker for the brain and connects to thin leads and extensions. The neurostimulators, leads, and extensions are implanted completely inside the body during the surgical procedure. Most patients are unable to feel the stimulation, but have increased control over body movements.
"Deep brain stimulation is a major contribution to the treatment of patients with Parkinson's disease and other movement disorders," Dr. Gelber said. DBS preserves healthy brain tissue. The procedure can be reversed if necessary and the device can be turned off at night, when tremors normally decrease.
For more information about deep brain stimulation or the Louis J. Gogela Neuroscience Institute at BryanLGH West, contact Brenda Lieske, program coordinator, at (402) 481-5942 or Dr. Gelber's office, Neurological and Spinal Surgery, (402) 488-3002 or (877) 291-8360.
