According to ancient Egyptian writings, Ayurvedic sources, and records from the Roman physician and surgeon Galen, Parkinson’s Disease, or an illness that replicates it, has been around since man has been able to record it. It was only in the early 1800’s that an English doctor named Dr. James Parkinson published a detailed description of what would later be termed Parkinson’s Disease (PD). Since then the medical field has worked on determining what causes PD and what can cure it.
What Is Parkinson’s Disease?
Although Parkinson’s Disease is most commonly associated with the elderly, recently the medical field has seen an increase in younger adults with this illness, with some patients reporting PD onset in the late teens. Parkinson’s Disease is a degenerative disorder of the central nervous system. Many of the motor symptoms connected with PD are a result of dying dopamine-generating cells in the substantial nigra (a region in the midbrain). Symptoms can include reduced motor skills, shaking, rigidity, dementia, and emotional problems. Studies have not been able to determine what causes these cells to die, but generally PD is not genetic. Although there is no cure for Parkinson’s Disease there are a few methods to treat the symptoms. Some include:
• Medication
• Diet
• Surgery
• Deep Brain Stimulation
What is Deep Brain Stimulation?
Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) is delivered by an implant that conducts a fine electrical impulse to particular parts of the brain. Wires are implanted in the brain and are connected to a device under the skin near the collar bone that regulates a continuous current. Despite being called “stimulation”, DBS actually shuts down areas of the brain that are causing the symptoms of PD. Unlike medications that tend to have negative side effects over time, DBS has a positive record for minimal side effects, with most issues being corrected by turning off or adjusting stimulation levels. A visit to Dr. Duma will help you determine if Deep Brain Stimulation is the right step for treating your Parkinson’s Disease.
Deep Brain Stimulation offers impressive therapeutic benefits for:
• Chronic pain
• Parkinson’s Disease
• Tremor
• Dystonia
• Major depression
DBS and Parkinson’s Disease
Studies have found that 90% patients who turn to Deep Brain Stimulation as treatment for their tremors have a marked improvement. Typically, DBS is used to treat advanced Parkinson’s Disease symptoms that no longer respond, or have limited response, to medications. Some patients are even able to lower their medications after surgery. Dr. Duma, a leading, knowledgeable brain surgeon in Orange County, CA, has performed the most surgeries for Parkinson’s Disease and other movement disorders in the region. Together with his patient he will determine what level of stimulation is necessary to improve a patient’s quality of life.
How Dr. Duma Can Help
Dr. Duma has had experience with movement disorders since 1987 and is one of the most accomplished brain surgeons in his field. He has successfully completed numerous Deep Brain Stimulation implantations and has provided his patients with great results in treating Parkinson’s Disease symptoms. For more information regarding DBS, request an appointment with Dr. Christopher Duma by calling his office at 949-642-6787.
