Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that affects movement, leading to symptoms like tremors, stiffness, and difficulty walking. Despite no cure, treatments aim to reduce symptoms and improve quality of life. Surgical interventions, particularly deep brain stimulation (DBS), have emerged as effective alternatives for patients with advanced disease stages or medication-resistant symptoms.
DBS involves precise electrode placement in specific brain regions, delivering continuous electrical stimulation to modulate neural activity. This technology allows for sub-millimeter accuracy and has improved significantly over the years. The procedure is performed while the patient is awake, with minimal pain and blood loss, offering real-time symptom relief.
Studies have shown that DBS can improve motor function, reduce medication requirements, and enhance quality of life in selected patients. The procedure has a success rate of about 85% with minor complications ranging from 2 to 5%. Advancements in battery technology enable it to last up to 15 years, making it a viable long-term solution.
Future developments focus on stem cell therapy to replace dopamine-producing neurons, but results are inconsistent. As research continues to advance, new targets for stimulation and surgical techniques are being explored to expand therapeutic options for Parkinson’s disease patients.
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Source: https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/health/examining-the-power-of-modern-interventions-in-alleviating-symptoms-of-parkinsons-disease/article69403457.ece