Question: What are some of the benefits of DBS/STN? Rev.03/03
Answer: DBS has significantly improved the quality of life for many patients, allowing them to regain independence and resume many normal activities. In clinical studies, most Parkinson?s disease patients experienced improvement in functional ability with DBS/STN.
Deep Brain Stimulation offers many benefits compared with other treatments:
1. DBS/STN is non-destructive and reversible. Other surgical methods such as lesioning (pallidotomy and thalamotomy) permanently destroy brain tissue. But the electrical stimulator can be removed if a new and better therapy is developed in the future.
2. STN may decrease the need for medications and reduce sudden, unpredictable changes in movement (dyskinesias).
3. STN can control the symptoms of Parkinson?s disease on both sides of the body.
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