High-Tech Hope: Advanced Therapies for Parkinson's Motor Complications
High-Tech Hope: Advanced Therapies for Parkinson's Motor Complications
The Next Level of Treatment
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.
Contents
- Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS)
- Continuous Levodopa Infusion
- Focused Ultrasound
- Choosing the Right Therapy
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.
Choosing the Right Therapy
Selecting an advanced therapy is a complex decision. It depends on factors like the specific symptoms, age, overall health, and personal preferences. It's like choosing between different smartphones - each has its pros and cons, and what works best varies from person to person. A movement disorder specialist can help guide this decision.
FAQs
Are these therapies a cure for Parkinson's?
No, but they can significantly improve symptoms and quality of life.
Who is a good candidate for advanced therapies?
Typically, those with motor complications not well-controlled by medications.
Are these treatments covered by insurance?
Often yes, but coverage varies by insurance plan and specific therapy.
Can advanced therapies be used alongside regular medications?
Yes, they're usually used in combination with medications.
How long do the effects of these therapies last?
Effects can last for years, but may require adjustments over time.
A Brighter Future
Advanced therapies offer new possibilities for managing Parkinson's motor complications when traditional treatments fall short.
Additional 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.
This article has been reviewed for accuracy by one of the licensed medical doctors working for Doctronic.