Surgical treatment of Parkinson's
Surgery is generally only used to treat people who have had
Parkinson's for some time and whose symptoms are not controlled
effectively by medication.
Surgery can be successful but it does not work for everyone, and for some it may just not be suitable.
Karen O'Sullivan, specialist Parkinson's nurse
It may also be used for people who are experiencing very
troublesome dyskinesias (involuntary movements).
The risks of surgery may be increased in very elderly people and
those with other conditions that might cause complications.
Most surgeons will not operate on anyone who is experiencing
confusion or psychosis, has experienced a stroke or has dementia or
severe depression.
For more information, see our Surgery
and Parkinson's booklet or browse the pages below.
The main forms of surgery for Parkinson's
The main forms of surgery available for the treatment of
Parkinson's are:
The risks of surgery
Each form of surgery for Parkinson's carries its own risks.
These vary for each individual and should be discussed with your
consultant.
The aftercare and possible complications involved in surgical
treatments can also have a long-term impact on the daily life of
people with Parkinson's and their carers.
In this section
People share their surgery stories
In our Real life stories - Parkinson's
surgery section People with Parkinson's share their
experiences of deep brain stimulation and other forms of
surgery used to treat some of the symptoms
of Parkinson's
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