Surgery cannot cure Parkinson disease. It may be done to ease symptoms when other treatments have not helped.
Thalamotomy
Thalamotomy is surgery to destroy part of the thalamus. This part of the brain helps with movement. This may ease tremors. Surgery is done with heat or highly focused beams of radiation.
Pallidotomy
Pallidotomy is surgery to destroy the globus pallidus. This is another part of the brain that helps with movement. This may ease tremors and stiffness. It may also improve movement. Surgery is done with heat or highly focused beams of radiation.
Deep Brain Stimulation
Thalamotomy and pallidotomy are not as common due to the risk of side effects. Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is more common.
DBS surgery puts electrodes in the brain. They are connected to a device that is placed on the chest. A small magnet can be passed over the device to turn it on and off. The device can send electrical signals to block other signals that trigger symptoms.
References
Homayoun H. Parkinson Disease. Ann Intern Med. 2018; 169(5): ITC33-ITC48.
Parkinson disease. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/parkinson-disease. Accessed April 6, 2022.
Parkinson disease. Merck Manual Professional Version website. Available at: http://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/neurologic-disorders/movement-and-cerebellar-disorders/parkinson-disease. Accessed April 6, 2022.
Parkinson's disease. American Association of Neurological Surgeons website. Available at: http://www.aans.org/en/Patients/Neurosurgical-Conditions-and-Treatments/Parkinsons-Disease. Accessed April 6, 2022.
Parkinson's disease information page. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke website. Available at: https://www.ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/All-Disorders/Parkinsons-Disease-Information-Page. Accessed April 6, 2022.
Revision Information
- Reviewer: EBSCO Medical Review Board Rimas Lukas, MD
- Review Date: 03/2022
- Update Date: 04/06/2022