Using 7 tesla MRI power for DBS “The first time I ... showed the neurosurgeon the images, it was like turning on a light in a dark room."

[MBAnderson]

They are still making dramatic improvements in DBS.

"The problem with this promising therapy ... is that not every patient receives a video-worthy benefit.

“There’s a big distribution of the quality of outcomes that patients actually get from DBS—in some cases, it can even cause more side effects than it heals,” Harel said.

“What we understand today is the correct placement of the DBS electrode is the crucial part in deciding the outcome for the benefits. It’s just like real estate, it’s all about location, location, location.”

"These tiny devices, which are barely larger than a grain of rice, may not be able to stimulate the target brain region if they end up just one or two millimeters away. Studies showed surgeons who used the SIS System could identify the target location for DBS nodes with about 70 percent greater accuracy than previous methods allowed."

research.umn.edu/inquiry/po...

[pdkid]

Thanks for sharing MBA... my dad's DBS surgery is happening in a month or two... considering the possible side-effects, and that not all surgeries are successful, we are still nervous about it! This is a personal question... if FUS was not available to you, do you think you would have gone through with DBS...?

[MBAnderson in reply to pdkid]

Probably. It's hard to know for sure, but what I know now, I'd be shopping doctors based on patient reviews.

It's a tough decision. It depends on age, employment requirements, family obligations, etc. Ultimately, how one feels about their condition.

When we're entering or in stage 4, it's much more probable.

Where is your dad scheduled?

[pdkid in reply to MBAnderson]

Sorry i've been MIA! That all makes sense... he will be 70 this autumn, is retired... he has had pd for 13 years now... takes his meds every 2.5 hours... 1/2 sinimet with 5grams of mucuna and a dopaboost. As you know, he doesnt seem to qualify for FUS because of his gait issues. Because of the pandemic, he had to stop boxing and didnt have access to a treadmilll so his balance has been more shaky this year. Toronto Western Hospital is one of Canada's leaders in neuroscience, and Dr. Suneil Kalia is my dad's surgeon. I couldn't find that many reviews, but the ones I did were positive. We are nervous but trying to stay positive and hoping for the best possible outcome. He is scheduled for August 10!!!

[MBAnderson in reply to pdkid]

pdkid,

Did your dad apply for FUS?

Marc

[pdkid in reply to MBAnderson]

Yes, Dr. J said that it wasn't suitable for him because of his gait freezing. Even though my dad has become great at managing his gait, Dr. J thought that it wasn't ideal for him. I am still not in full comprehension of how it all works because my dad's main symptoms are rigidity and dyskinesia, which I thought the FUS would be able to alleviate even if freezing continues... and DBS does not "fix" gait issues either.

[MBAnderson in reply to pdkid]

Is his issue gait initiation or freezing?

[pdkid in reply to MBAnderson]

I guess a bit of both... but mainly initiation... sometimes the freezing occurs when he is going through a doorway but he has managed to practice the "tricks" to overcome it.

[MBAnderson in reply to pdkid]

Gait initiation is my main problem, too, and it is a problem.

I would be confident he'll have a good outcome Aug 10. Toronto has a good reputation.

[pdkid in reply to MBAnderson]

Awh, thanks Marc, so very appreciate the encouragement. Everything helps to ease the worry.

[pdkid in reply to MBAnderson]

Out of curiosity, is freezing ever an issue for you?

[vwolff]

Thanks for the information.

[Despe]

Marc,

Second thoughts (regrets) for your PTT?

[MBAnderson in reply to Despe]

None yet.

[Despe in reply to MBAnderson]

I hope you never have them!

[MBAnderson in reply to Despe]

Thanx