High-Tech Hope: Advanced Therapies for Parkinson's Motor Complications
Published: Oct 10, 2023
When standard medications aren't enough to control Parkinson's motor complications, advanced therapies offer new hope. These high-tech solutions are like upgrading from a basic flip phone to a smartphone for your brain.
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Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS)
Deep Brain Stimulation involves implanting electrodes in specific areas of the brain. It's like installing a pacemaker for your brain that sends electrical pulses to regulate abnormal impulses. DBS can help reduce motor fluctuations, tremors, and dyskinesia in some patients. While it doesn't cure Parkinson's, it can significantly improve quality of life for those with severe symptoms.
Continuous Levodopa Infusion
This therapy delivers levodopa directly into the small intestine through a pump. It's like having an IV drip of medication, providing a steady supply throughout the day. By maintaining more constant levels of the drug, it can help reduce 'off' periods and dyskinesia. The pump is portable, allowing patients to go about their daily activities.
Focused Ultrasound
A newer, non-invasive option is focused ultrasound. This uses sound waves to precisely target and treat small areas of the brain. It's like using a magnifying glass to focus sunlight, but with sound instead. This can help reduce tremors on one side of the body without surgery. However, it's not reversible like DBS, so careful patient selection is crucial.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, but they can significantly improve symptoms and quality of life.
Typically, those with motor complications not well-controlled by medications.
Often yes, but coverage varies by insurance plan and specific therapy.
Yes, they're usually used in combination with medications.
Key Takeaways
Advanced therapies offer new possibilities for managing Parkinson's motor complications when traditional treatments fall short.
Curious if advanced therapies might be right for you? Ask Doctronic about your options and next steps.Related Articles
References
Odin P, Ray Chaudhuri K, Slevin JT, et al. Collective physician perspectives on non-oral medication approaches for the management of clinically relevant unresolved issues in Parkinson's disease: Consensus from an international survey and discussion program. Parkinsonism Relat Disord 2015; 21:1133.
Williams DR, Evans AH, Fung VSC, et al. Practical approaches to commencing device-assisted therapies for Parkinson disease in Australia. Intern Med J 2017; 47:1107.
Always discuss health information with your healthcare provider.