Article Abstract:
Pallidotomy appears to be an effective long-term treatment for people with Parkinson's disease. Pallidotomy is a surgical procedure on an area of the brain affected by Parkinson's disease. Researchers followed 20 patients who received a pallidotomy for Parkinson's disease between 1993 and 1996. Up to five years after the surgery, significant improvements were noted in symptoms while the patients were off their drugs, and side effects while they were on the drugs were less severe.
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Article Abstract:
A type of brain surgery called a pallidotomy may be beneficial in some patients with Parkinson's disease. This surgery destroys a part of the brain called the globus pallidus. Surgeons performed this technique on 40 Parkinson's patients and then followed them for up to two years. Many of the patients experienced an improvement during their "off" periods, which are characterized by increased symptoms. About half the patients who usually required assistance in the off period became independent. However, many of the improvements did not last longer than six months to a year.
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Article Abstract:
There is still no clear cause of Parkinson's disease. Parkinson's disease is characterized by the death of nerve cells in specific areas of the brain. It often affects brain areas that use dopamine as a neurotransmitter. The loss of dopamine causes many of the symptoms, which include tremor, rigidity and inability to move. Reports of parkinsonian symptoms in drug addicts led to speculation that the disease might be caused by some kind of chemical exposure. Pesticides or other environmental factors may be responsible. Free radicals may also be involved.
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