How does Deep Brain Stimulation help Parkinsons disease patients?
DBS can help decrease the tremor rigidity and slowness of movement that affect most Parkinson’s Disease patients. Unlike medication, the stimulator remains “on” at all times, providing most patients with relief from the fluctuations they experience with medication. Most patients can reduce their Parkinson’s medications significantly – often in half. People who experience dyskinesias (abnormal involuntary movements) caused by their Parkinson’s medications, often find that decreasing medications after DBS surgery can dramatically reduce this symptom. DBS does not cure Parkinson’s disease, but it can effectively treat many of the symptoms and helps improve motor function.
