Page 13 - MedicaWell No3

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medica well 13

Dystonia thus, complaints can be controlled. The battery that is
This movement disorder is characterized by repetitive, placed beneath the clavicle should be replaced at 4- to
twisting and involuntary contractions of muscles, result- 5-year intervals on average. Recently, it is the globally
ing in abnormal postures. This disease poses negative preferred method for the surgical management of move-
influence on the quality of life and it is more common in ment disorders.
children and adolescents.
Lesion surgery (Radiofrequency thermocoagulation)
What are the surgical treatment methods? Lesion surgery is another method used for the treatment
Surgical procedures can be considered, when medica- of movement disorders. A small hole is drilled in the skull
tions cannot control symptoms of movements disorders in order to advance a needle to the diseased area of the
or side effects of medications occur. Parkinson’s disease, brain; the heat generated in the tip of the needle is used
dystonia and essential tremor are movement disorders to destruct the area. This method has been used for long
that are most commonly treated by surgical procedures. years for thalamotomy (for tremor), pallidotomy (for
Parkinson’s disease and dystonia) and subthalamatomy
(for Parkinson’s disease). A quick response is obtained
after the procedure.

Gamma Knife Radiosurgery
Gamma Knife Radiosurgery can be used to treat move-
ment disorders. Gamma Knife can be used for thalamot-
omy and subthalamatomy. Gamma Knife is advanta-
geous as curative rays are directed to the target zone
without the need of any surgical procedure. By this way,
complications of surgery are eliminated. However, it
takes several months to witness the effects of the treat-
ment. Gamma Knife is a safe option for patients who
have intracranial or systemic disease that contraindi-
cates the surgery.

For more information: info@kochealthcare.org
Who are candidates of surgical treatment methods? Tel: +90 850 250 8 250 / 20875
The patient is evaluated by the movement disorders
team that consists of Neurologists, Neurosurgeons and
Psychiatrists. Medications and treatments that are
already used and the medical history are reviewed.
Surgical treatment is considered for patients who will
likely benefit in the light of detailed examinations.

Broadly, there are three types of surgical methods:
1- Deep Brain Stimulation (colloquially referred to as
Brain Battery or Pacemaker)
2- Lesion surgery (Radiofrequency thermocoagulation)
3- Gamma Knife Radiosurgery

Each surgical method has unique advantages and disad-
vantages. The doctor decides the best method for each
patient.

Deep Brain Stimulation (colloquially referred to as
Brain Battery or Pacemaker)
In Deep Brain Stimulation, a very thin electric cable is
placed in the centers that are responsible for the onset
of the movement disorder and complaints of the patient
are relieved by continuously sending electric current.

Deep brain stimulation targets thalamus (for tremor),
pallidum (for Parkinson’s disease and dystonia) and
subthalamic nucleus (for Parkinson’s disease). The most
significant advantage of deep brain stimulation is the Selçuk Peker M.D.
lack of tissue damage. The electric current sent by the Professor of Neurosurgery
battery is adjusted according to needs of the patient and Koc University Hospital