Correct Identification of Parkinson's Symptoms and Treatment Methods

Ahmet Hilmi Kaya, Professor of Neurosurgery at Yeditepe University Koşuyolu Hospital, notes that tremors patients often immediately attribute to Parkinson's disease may actually be caused by essential tremor. Essential tremor, thought to be influenced by genetic factors, is a condition that emerges after adolescence, predominantly in middle age. Moreover, it is a progressive disorder where trembling is not limited to the hands alone but continues in the tongue, head and other areas. Because it significantly affects the social lives of those who have it, treatment is important. Ahmet Hilmi Kaya, Professor of Neurosurgery at Yeditepe University Koşuyolu Hospital, states that tremors in these patients can be surgically treated, even if symptomatic, and emphasizes that effective results can be achieved through the use of brain stimulation devices in treatment.

Symptoms Become More Pronounced in Advanced Age

In the majority of patients with essential tremor, the condition is found to run in close relatives. Patients with moderate hand tremor can continue their lives without experiencing major problems. However, when tremors become very pronounced and visibly apparent to others, they begin to feel uncomfortable. Noting that symptoms become more pronounced in advanced age, Prof. Dr. Ahmet Hilmi Kaya states, "Essential tremor is generally a progressive disease. Symptoms in patients become more pronounced in advanced age. Tremors begin to affect patients' daily lives. For example, they cannot write neatly, cannot draw shapes or cannot perform fine hand movements as they wish. Particularly in social settings, when excited, under stress or when anxious, they do not want to socialize because these tremors become more pronounced," he said. Following neurological examinations, if this disorder in the motor system is detected, surgical intervention becomes an option. Noting that only a specialist can distinguish tremor-based Parkinson's disease from essential tremor, Prof. Dr. Ahmet Hilmi Kaya said, "Patients confuse these two conditions. For this reason, a patient with essential tremor should not immediately assume they have Parkinson's disease before seeing a doctor and receiving a diagnosis."

Brain Stimulation Device Is the Only Option If Treatment Is Unsuccessful

Explaining that the decision for surgery in essential tremor patients must be made together with a neurologist, Prof. Dr. Ahmet Hilmi Kaya states, "In early stages, drug treatments should be tried. If these prove unhelpful, the only remaining option is a brain stimulation device. "We have a specific focus in what we call the 'thalamus,' a nucleus deep in the brain. When we can suppress this focus with electrical current, we see a very significant reduction in tremor. The treatment we apply to the patient is symptomatic. However, extremely effective results are achieved for the patient," he says.