Brain Pacemaker Developed Against Side Effects of Parkinson's Disease

Brain Pacemaker Against Parkinson's Side Effects Experts recommend a 'brain pacemaker' to counter medication side effects in Parkinson's disease, which primarily affects people over 60 as a result of deterioration in dopamine-producing cells in the brain. Associate Professor Dr. Bekir Enes Demiryürek, a neurology specialist, stated that improvements have been observed in medication-related effects such as tremors through the use of a brain pacemaker, noting that "patients are able to move more independently with brain pacemaker use, which increases their participation in daily life." In response to Parkinson's disease, which presents symptoms such as anxiety, behavioral disorders, and tremors in people over 60, neurology specialist Associate Professor Dr. Bekir Enes Demiryürek has made a new recommendation. Due to the intense side effects that medications used in Parkinson's disease cause in patients, Specialist Demiryürek recommends the use of a 'brain pacemaker' in patients. Associate Professor Dr. Bekir Enes Demiryürek, neurology specialist at Acıbadem Kocaeli Hospital, provided information on Parkinson's disease: "Parkinson's disease manifests itself through various symptoms including slowness in movement, tremor at rest, fatigue, depression, anxiety, behavioral disorders, and even weight loss. Parkinson's disease results from deterioration of dopamine-producing cells in the brain. Although medications are the first treatment option, primarily seen after age 60, the 'brain pacemaker' method is preferred in some patients because intense side effects develop. Parkinson's is a neurodegenerative disease, meaning it continues with progressive loss of nerve cells. Through the brain pacemaker, improvements are observed in medication-related effects. Additionally, medication doses are reduced. Since patients are able to move more independently, their participation in daily life also increases," he said.

"Brain Pacemaker Against Freezing and Slowing"

Stating that the cause of Parkinson's disease is unknown but emphasizing genetic factors, Demiryürek said: "Bradykinesia (slowness in movement), rigidity (stiffness in joints), tremor, and gait disorders are diagnosed through patient history, neurological examination, and when necessary, additional tests such as MRI and blood tests. Following diagnosis, medical treatments generally work well during the first five years. However, due to medication side effects and disease progression in Parkinson's patients, new treatment methods may be introduced. When freezing, slowing, and involuntary movements called dyskinesia occur despite medication, device-assisted treatments come into play. Deep brain stimulation, known among the public as 'brain pacemaker,' is one of these methods," he said.

"Surgery Takes an Average of 3-4 Hours"

Stating that surgery is performed in two stages, Associate Professor Dr. Demiryürek said: "The brain pacemaker has been used for approximately 30 years in the treatment of Parkinson's, essential tremor disease, and dystonia. The objective of this treatment method is to send stimulation to the parts of the brain that cause disease symptoms. Under local anesthesia, metal rods called electrodes are placed in specific areas of the patient's brain. A battery is placed in the chest area, from which stimulation is sent to the electrodes. This eliminates disease symptoms. Initially, the surgery is performed by a neurosurgeon while the patient is awake. Subsequently, general anesthesia is administered to the patient for battery placement. The entire surgery takes an average of 3-4 hours," he said.

"Which Patients Are Suitable for Brain Pacemaker?"

Providing information on the criteria sought for brain pacemaker suitability, Associate Professor Dr. Demiryürek stated: "For the brain pacemaker to be applicable, the patient must be in an advanced stage of disease and under 70 years of age, and severe depression, psychosis, and dementia must not be present. However, in any patient where tremor is prominent, the brain pacemaker can be applied regardless of age limit. Applied to a patient who has been evaluated by a neurologist, a neurosurgeon, and a psychiatrist, the brain pacemaker significantly improves the patient's quality of life. Patients should remain under physician care and periodically consult their doctor for battery adjustments. Since the disease is a neurological condition, evaluation by a neurology specialist experienced in movement disorders and Parkinson's disease before and after the pacemaker procedure significantly increases treatment success," he said. Brain pacemakers used in treatment are divided into two types: rechargeable and non-rechargeable. Noting that the average duration of non-rechargeable batteries is 2-5 years, Associate Professor Dr. Demiryürek said: "These pacemakers can subsequently be replaced through a minor surgical procedure. Rechargeable batteries have an average lifespan of approximately 25 years. Patients recharge these pacemakers using an additional device, much like charging a mobile phone, every 3-4 days. During this time, patients experience no pain or side effects," he said. Source