Other surgical treatments for Parkinson's
Deep brain stimulation and lesioning are the most common forms of surgery
for Parkinson's, but there are also other techniques.
Infusion of chemicals into the basal ganglia
This technique has been done in few people with
Parkinson's.
The idea is to infuse growth factors which either prevent cell
death or enhance growth of the dopamine-producing cells in the
brain.
It is still in the early experimental stage. Researchers
estimate that it will take 10 to 20 years before they know its
effects, safety issues and long-term outcomes.
Implantation of foetal brain tissue
For several years research has been carried out into the
possibility of replacing the dead and dying dopamine-producing
cells with transplanted brain tissue from human foetuses.
The hope is that the foetal tissue will produce dopamine and
hopefully correct the problems concerned with dopamine
deficiency.
Results so far have been very mixed. The treatment is still very
experimental.
Researchers estimate that it will probably remain experimental
for at least 5 to 10 years.
Foetal cell implantation for Parkinson's is not currently
available in the UK.
Gamma knife surgery
Gamma knife surgery is a development in the application of
lesioning
The difference between gamma knife surgery and traditional
lesioning techniques is that gamma knife surgery is non-invasive,
and it cannot be monitored during the procedure.
Therefore, gamma knife surgery is, at present, not acceptable
therapy.
Gamma knife surgery is a form of radiotherapy that focuses one
dose of gamma radiation through the skin and skull.
The effects of gamma knife surgery may take weeks or months to
be seen.
The risks of this type of surgery relative to other surgical
procedures are not yet known.
The risks of surgery
Each form of surgery for Parkinson's carries its own risks.
These should be discussed with your consultant.
Some of the general risks associated with these techniques
include:
- increased risk of a stroke leading to paralysis
- cognitive changes
- speech problems
- and, very rarely, death
The future of surgery for Parkinson's
There are currently many unanswered questions concerning
surgical techniques for Parkinson's. Further research is
necessary.
At the present time, researchers are unsure as to how long
beneficial results may last or if any procedures may delay the
progression of Parkinson's.
Another possibility is that the best symptom control may be
obtained by using a combination of surgical techniques. The
questions need to be addressed in further clinical trials.
Future surgical therapeutic options, which currently remain
experimental, are aimed at replacing and/or restoring the dying
dopamine cells.
There have been many exciting developments in surgical treatment
for Parkinson's in recent years and the future looks promising.
You can read more on these and other forms of surgery for
Parkinson's in our Surgery and Parkinson's
booklet
Find out about current research we're
funding into better treatments and a cure
More forms of surgery for Parkinson's
Return to the surgical treatments of
Parkinson's main page
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