Surgical and Alternative Treatments for Parkinson's Disease

For the people who don't respond to medication treatment of Parkinson's disease or for those who have reached the final stage of disease surgery becomes necessary. As the disease progresses and the symptoms become worse or sometimes-new symptoms may also develop which drugs can't control. There are many surgical options available for treatment of Parkinson's disease. Some of the surgical treatments for Parkinson's disease include:

Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS)

Deep brain stimulation is a brain implant device useful in reducing the symptoms associated with involuntary movements, tremor and walking problems. This method is used to destroy small regions of the brain. This procedure involves implantation of a thin wire electrode into the brain, which blocks brain waves that can cause uncontrollable movements. This method is the most preferred surgical treatment for Parkinson's disease and is used in addition to the levodopa therapy to get the beneficial effect. This is a life-long procedure and sometimes requires replacement of parts of the device.

Neurotransplantation

Neurotransplantation is still an experimental procedure used for the treatment of Parkinson's disease, which has been experimented on a very small number of people. This procedure involves implantation of the cells, which may come from fetal brain tissue that produce dopamine into the brain. There are as such no proven benefits of this procedure. It may take months or years for neurotransplantation to show its effect.

Thalamotomy

This procedure involves removal of small amounts of tissue in the thalamus region of the brain, which is responsible for transmitting messages and sensations and also for involuntary movements. This procedure helps to reduce tremor and prevents involuntary movements. It is usually performed on only one side of the brain since it can cause slurred speech if performed on both the sides. This procedure is used rarely these days, as it can't relieve other symptoms associated with Parkinson's disease.

Pallidotomy

This procedure involves destruction of a small amount of tissue in the pallidum also called globus pallidus (a part of brain that is responsible for many symptoms associated with the disease) with the help of an electric current. This procedure helps to improve the symptoms like tremor, rigidity and slowed movement. It does this by interrupting the neural pathway between the pallidum and the thalamus. It also prevents the involuntary movements. This procedure is also used rarely since its benefits are not long lasting. If performed on both the sides it can cause slurred speech, weakness and vision problems.

Other Alternative Treatments for Parkinson's disease

There are some alternative treatments for Parkinson's disease which include:

Physical therapy and Exercise: Physical therapy is very beneficial for the people with Parkinson's disease both in early and advanced stages of the disease. Physical therapy involves the exercises, which helps to improve mobility, posture, strength, flexibility, and muscle tone. It also helps to improve your walk and balance. Though exercise can't stop the progression of disease, it can promote a sense of well-being, built up confidence and improves your mood.

Speech and language therapy: Since Parkinson's disease affects the muscles of tongue, lips, throat, lungs and voice box, all of which are responsible of producing speech this can lead to soft and monotonous speech. Speech pathologists can help you to improve problems with speaking and swallowing. He may suggest you some breathing and speech exercises to improve voice volume.

Balanced diet: Eating a healthy and balanced diet is always useful not only for the people with Parkinson's disease but also for anyone who is not having the disease. Balanced diet includes plenty of fruits, green leafy vegetables, legumes, fish, low-fat dairy products, cereals and grains.

Massaging with the essential oils like juniper and peppermint also helps to reduce some symptoms of Parkinson's disease.