The choice of the right treatment for the right patient in the Parkinson's treatment, which continues to be a serious problem especially for elderly people, affects the success of the result. Brain and Nerve Surgery Specialist Prof. Dr. Ahmet Hilmi Kaya said that brain pacemaker therapy connects patients to life again, especially in advanced stage cases who do not benefit from drug therapy.

Communication between cells in the brain is provided by a number of substances. Parkinson’s develops as a result of the disruption of the cells that produce dopamine, which is also responsible for the control and harmony of our movements. Yeditepe University Koşuyolu Hospital Brain and Nerve Surgery Specialist Prof. Dr. Ahmet Hilmi Kaya said that this problem, which usually occurs after the 60's, can be seen earlier, especially due to genetic factors. Explaining that complaints such as movement disorder, tremor, body stiffness, walking with slow steps, differentiation in facial expression, forgetfulness are among the symptoms of the disease, Prof. Dr. Kaya pointed out the importance of timely and accurate diagnosis.

"The Brain Pacemaker Connects to Life"

Pointing out that patients diagnosed at an early stage can achieve a near-complete recovery with drug therapy at the initial stage, Prof. Dr. Ahmet Hilmi Kaya said, “In these patients who are diagnosed early, satisfactory results are obtained with drug treatment. Surgical treatment comes to the fore in cases that have reached to advanced stages after 5-10 years”. Pointing out that the appropriate patient selection is very important in the brain pacemaker (deep brain stimulation) treatment applied in the surgical treatment of Parkinson's. Dr. Kaya continued his words as follows:
“Brain pacemaker surgery is an operation that requires modern equipment and calculations both surgically and technically. During the procedure, we drill a hole, enter it with the help of a catheter and place the electrode at the determined point. The important thing here is the equipment and calculations we use during the surgery. This way, we can make comprehensive evaluations during surgery. Brain pacemaker therapy is particularly effective in idiopathic Parkinson's. Therefore, the better we can choose the patient, the more we can guarantee the effectiveness. " Stating that the brain pacemaker is a very important treatment for Parkinson's patients that connects them to life, Prof. Dr. Kaya stated that patients started to get rid of their dependence on their relatives and became able to meet their own needs thanks to the treatment. Explaining that patients should be checked regularly after surgery, Prof. Dr. Kaya said, “The life of the brain pacemake varies between 5-10 years. Afterwards, it can be changed with a much simpler procedure without the need for a major surgery. At this point, what is important is the gain of patients from this treatment. Necessary adjustments can be made according to the condition of the patient in regular check-ups, ”he said.

Treatment Removes Symptoms, not the Disease

"Another important point in the treatment is to ensure that the patient and their relatives have the right expectations," said Prof. Dr. Ahmet Hilmi Kaya, and continued his words as follows: “It should be known that there is no cure that can completely eliminate Parkinson. With treatment, symptoms are eliminated, not the disease. The pacemaker is particularly useful on the motion systems such as decrease in body slowness, ability to move quickly, decrease body stiffness and move more comfortably. Also, since the tremor decreases, the patient can eat his / her food comfortably and be able to do his / her daily work, thus increasing the quality of life. Patients may think 'I will overcome this disease'. However, this thought can be disappointing. Because the disease may have worsening periods from time to time. However, it is a very successful result for the patient, who needs support for 18 hours a day, to reach the level that will need support for half an hour, 1 hour a day".

No Increase in Parkinson's

Stating that while Parkinson’s occur mostly in adanced ages, there are cases observed in younger ages as well, Yeditepe University Hospitals Brain and Nerve Surgery specialist Prof. Dr. Ahmet Hilmi Kaya concluded his words as follows: “For now, there is no data showing an increase in the number of patients. In some studies, the probability of having Parkinson's with severe clinical findings at a rate of 3-5 per thousand over the age of 65 is very high. This rate is very low in the 40s. As the knowledge about this disease, which also has a genetic background, increases, different treatment options will develop. "
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