Parkinson's Disease and Neuromodulation Techniques

Parkinson and Neuromodulation Techniques Parkinson is defined as the second most frequently observed neurological disorder after Alzheimer's in patients over middle age and causes serious complications. Patients can develop motor function loss, sleep disorders, depression, balance problems and anxiety disorders. Successful results can be achieved with TMS therapy, a nervous system regulator, in Parkinson's disease. Prof. Dr. Talip Asil, Neurologist at Memorial Service Hospital Neuromodulation Center, provided information about Parkinson's disease and treatment methods. Parkinson's disease is a condition in which neurons are damaged, characterized by impaired motor coordination along with slowed movements or tremor in the extremities. Parkinson's disease is known as a disorder observed in patients over middle age that causes serious complications. In addition to motor function loss, it causes many problems outside the movement system such as sleep disorders, depression, balance disorders and anxiety disorders. There is no curative, or complete, treatment for Parkinson's disease. The medications used can improve patients' symptoms and increase the quality of their daily lives. During periods when the disease progresses or side effects of medication treatments emerge, quite successful results can be obtained in Parkinson's patients with Neuromodulation techniques in addition to drug treatments.

TMS Makes Life Easier for Parkinson's Patients

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation, or TMS, applications are a Neuromodulation method used in addition to drug treatment in Parkinson's patients. TMS can particularly contribute to the improvement of nonmotor, or non-motor, functions. By reducing medication requirements, it facilitates long-term disease management. TMS can be an effective treatment method in Parkinson's patients when planned holistically together with medication therapy, rehabilitation, diet and exercise programs. It is not used instead of medication therapies or other treatment methods.

Brain is Stimulated with DBS Method

With Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) system, electrical stimuli are sent to specific brain regions to restore the balance of impaired circuits and overcome abnormal activity in that area. DBS can be a surgical option for patients with neurological disorders that cannot be adequately controlled with medical treatment. In this therapy, small electrical current pulses are applied to specific locations in the brain through electrodes. These electrodes are connected via wires passing under the skin to a programmable "internal pulse generator" typically implanted just below the collarbone. Similar to a cardiac pacemaker, it contains a battery and some electronic components to generate pulses. The device provides electrical stimulation to specific brain regions involved in movement control. Electrical stimulation of specific areas in the brain restores the balance of circuits disrupted in Parkinson's disease. Prior to DBS therapy, the patient's medication therapy and surgical risks must be carefully evaluated. Since placing electrodes in the brain can be a risky procedure, it must be checked by specialist physicians before surgery. The evaluation process should include a neurosurgeon, a neurologist and typically a psychologist.

Multidisciplinary Approach is Important in Parkinson's

Parkinson's disease treatment cannot be conducted merely by prescribing medication. Appropriate exercise, planning of diet programs, and the use of noninvasive and invasive Neuromodulation techniques increase patients' quality of life. Approaching the patient multidisciplinarily and evaluating the patient as a whole increases the success of the treatment process and patient satisfaction.