Deep brain stimulation is a surgical therapy for the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. It involves implanting a thin wire into the area of the brain believed to be responsible for Parkinson’s symptoms. The wire electrically stimulates small portions of the brain to quiet the over-activity in these sites. This brain pacemaker has dramatically improved life for Parkinson’s patients, including Sherry Swinford.

"We were cut out from doing a lot of things with our friends and other family members. Since the operation, that’s been completely turned around. We’ve been able to get out and do things more and enjoy ourselves a lot more," says Mack Swinford, Sherry’s husband.

University of Iowa Ken Follett, M.D., is leading a new study of deep brain stimulation. Researchers want to determine whether it is a better treatment than medication therapy.

"The real key of surgery is that it can give patients the good effects that they can receive with medications, but the surgery can eliminate many of the medication-related side effects, says Follett."

The findings may help surgeons better treat the disabling symptoms of this disease – and continue to improve the lives of Parkinson’s patients.

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Health Topics: Parkinson's disease: Symptoms

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