Parkinson's Disease is a movement disorder dating back to as far back as 12th century BC. But, it only came to be known better after James Parkinson's described the disease, which is why the name. Parkinson's Disease affects both men and women, most commonly after the age of 60. But, there are cases where younger patients also experience the disorder. You must thus be on the lookout for the symptoms, and immediately get in touch with a professional to identify the problem and suggest you an appropriate treatment. Although there is no permanent cure for Parkinson's Disease, yet there are a number of medications, therapies, and other treatments that can help alleviate the symptoms and bring relief, even though temporary.
What symptoms are associated with Parkinson's Disease?
Let us first understand the most common symptoms of Parkinson's Disease so that you can identify them at the earliest and take proper action. The most common symptoms associated with Parkinson's Disease include shaking of the hands, stiffness, and slowness of movement. However, if the disorder advances, the symptoms may also include depression, urinary symptoms, and dementia.
How can Parkinson's Disease be treated?
The first breakthrough in treating Parkinson's Disease came in the 1960s with the development of Levodopa. After this, there have been many medications made available for treatment over time, but none is as effective as Levodopa. After this came the discovery of Deep Brain Stimulation, which was first described in the late 1980s, but which only got approval by the FDA in 2002. Ever since, this treatment has been in use to treat Parkinson's patients, and relieve them of most of the symptoms (even though temporarily), improving the patient’s quality of life.
What is Deep Brain Stimulation?
Deep Brain Stimulation is an invasive surgery that involves implanting a neurotransmitter into the chest area, and electrodes into a specific part of the brain, which are connected with the help of wires to provide signals from the neurotransmitter to the electrodes, such that the brain can control the movements of the body.
Should you undergo a Deep Brain Stimulation surgery?
Although Deep Brain Stimulation is approved and highly effective, having shown wonderful results in patients who have undergone it, yet we would advise you to keep it as your last choice. After all, it is a surgery that is invasive, which means permanently altering certain parts of your body. So, you must first try treating yourself with medications and therapies. However, if your symptoms are worse and are not reacting to such treatments, Deep Brain Stimulation is then your best choice. Ideal patients for the surgery are those who are suffering from Idiopathic Parkinson's Disease, and are still dopamine responsive, but are unable to take an adequate dose due to side effects; or those who have significant disabling on and off symptoms.
Are there any complications after undergoing the surgery?
Despite the fact that Deep Brain Stimulation offers wonderful results of alleviating symptoms and helping the patient to live an improved quality of life, yet it is after all an invasive surgery, which means that there are undoubtedly chances of side-effects. If there is any fault in the surgery, there could be bleeding, infection, or misplacement. Also, the surgery may result in behavioural changes, visual disturbances, disbalance, etc. in some patients. However, all these side-effects can be controlled with appropriate programming. Also, Deep Brain Stimulation is a reversible procedure, which is why most complications can be effectively controlled. So, on the whole, there should be no problem in undergoing the procedure; yet, you must always have yourself diagnosed and treated by an expert, who can help identify whether Deep Brain Stimulation is the right choice for you or not. Dr. Shivam Mittal is one such professional offering Deep Brain Stimulation for Parkinson's in UAE for a long time now, with successful results. Here, you’ll be thoroughly diagnosed to see if your condition can be treated with the help of medications and therapies; and only if not, will you be given the last option of surgery. Thus, you can rest assured that you’ll get only genuine advice and treatment at Dr. Shivam Mittal’s.
