The goal of surgical treatment of movement disorders is to improve quality of life. When severe cases of conditions such as Parkinson’s Disease, dystonia and essential tremor have not responded to medication, deep brain stimulation may be an option. Of course, not all movement disorders are right for surgery.
This established therapy has been helping people around the world for many years. Among the benefits reported by patients who use DBS along with medication to control their symptoms:
In addition to reviewing possible benefits with your physician, please make sure you understand possible risks as well.
Using a surgically placed medical device, DBS therapy is used to deliver electrical stimulation to precisely targeted areas within the brain. The technique involves the surgical insertion of tiny electrodes deep into the basal ganglia region of the brain. A hair-thin wire is implanted in the thalamus and connected to a neurostimulator (similar to a cardiac pacemaker) implanted under the collarbone. This device sends electrical impulses along the wire to the thalamus, interrupting signals that cause tremor. Patients who undergo the surgery are given a controller, which allows them to check the battery and to turn the device off.
Movement disorders are progressive neurological diseases that can interfere with movement, speech, and other body functions.
Lyerly neurosurgeons are highly experienced with a wide variety of minimally invasive and reconstructive surgical treatment options, and are often the first to introduce new technologies such as robotic-assisted spine surgery to our region.
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Neurosurgeon
Lyerly Neurosurgery has pioneered neurosurgical care nationally since its inception in 1934. Lyerly neurosurgeons are leaders in minimally invasive spine surgery, have developed medical devices in use today around the world, and have taught their innovative techniques to neurosurgeons in other areas of the country. Lyerly is affiliated with Baptist Health and plays a leadership role in Baptist Neurological Institute, ensuring our patients have access to the highest level of multidisciplinary care in the region, including clinical trials and the latest protocols.
Brad Wallace, MD, PhD, describes bilateral Deep Brain Stimulation using the Mazor Robotics Renaissance Guidance System. Jerry Bliffen, of Orange Park, and Guy Leblanc, of Jacksonville, show how the surgery helped change their lives and stopped their tremors. Both Jerry and Guy have what is called essential tremor, which causes their hands to shake.
Guy Leblanc suffered from tremors that started when he was a teenager. He had deep brain stimulation surgery at Baptist Medical Center Jacksonville that changed his life.
The deep brain stimulation procedure is for people with movement disorders such as Parkinson's disease and essential tremor.
