Drug therapy for Parkinson's typically provides relief for about 10-15 years or more. In recent years, surgical options have also become more popular. Three surgical options are available to individuals for whom more conventional drug therapies have proven inadequate. To ensure the best results, surgical candidates must fit certain criteria before surgery can be considered. Candidates must have the specific symptoms treatable by the procedure.
All procedures can harm inappropriately selected patients.
Thalamotomy surgically destroys cells in the brain's thalamus to correct a disabling tremor in the hands or arms for persons with few other symptoms. Risks are considered low. Pallidotomy surgically destroys certain cells in the globus pallidus, the part of the brain controlling movement. The operation may help correct problems in slow movement, tremor, and imbalance and is performed with the patient conscious. Generally, the most dramatic result is the decrease in dyskinesia.