14 Fox Focus | Living with Parkinson ’ s
Dr . Dolhun Talks PD
Procedures to Treat Parkinson ’ s Symptoms
Deep brain stimulation and MRI-guided focused ultrasound are surgical procedures that can ease motor symptoms for some people with Parkinson ’ s .
When medication is not enough to ease the tremors , slowness and stiffness of Parkinson ’ s disease ( PD ), your doctor might recommend a surgical treatment . These include deep brain stimulation ( DBS ) and MRI-guided focused ultrasound ( FUS ).
DBS involves placing thin electrodes in the brain . These are connected to a programmable stimulator that is placed under the skin in the chest . The device delivers electrical impulses to areas of the brain that control movement . FUS works in the same areas of the brain but uses ultrasound energy to destroy cells that control movement . DBS was FDA approved for Parkinson ’ s in 1997 and FUS in 2018 .
Rachel Dolhun , MD , DipABLM , is a movement disorder specialist , lifestyle medicine physician and principal medical advisor at MJFF .
DBS and FUS for Symptom Relief
Neither DBS or FUS is a cure for Parkinson ’ s . But both can ease tremor , slowness , stiffness and extra movement ( dyskinesia ) or muscle spasms ( dystonia ). They also may give more time without symptoms (“ on ” time ) and smooth ups and downs in symptoms ( motor fluctuations ). In general , neither provide relief for non-motor symptoms , freezing of gait or imbalance .
DBS and FUS are most effective in people who benefit from levodopa but have side effects or complications like dyskinesia , “ off ” time ( when symptoms return ) or motor fluctuations . But they also can help people who have tremor that does not respond to medication .
The medical information contained in this newsletter is for general information purposes only . The Michael J . Fox Foundation for Parkinson ’ s Research has a policy of refraining from advocating , endorsing or promoting any drug therapy , course of treatment , or specific company or institution . It is crucial that care and treatment decisions related to Parkinson ’ s disease and any other medical condition be made in consultation with a physician or other qualified medical professional .