DBS surgery to help with “ frozen feet “

[NewHope1961]

I was first diagnosed with PD in 2005, over the years my symptoms were for the most part mild and controlled with meds. However several months ago I developed “ frozen feet “ it has altered my quality of life substantially. I have switched exercise workouts to a stationary bicycle, PT therapy 3 times a day, Rock Steady Boxing and now I am thinking about DBS surgery, so will DBS have a effect on my “ frozen feet “ ? I understand focused ultrasound does not help with this, thx

[wifeofparky]

Freezing is not helped by DBS. It primarily helps with tremors.

Have you called your Movement Disorder Specialist about this??

[NewHope1961 in reply to wifeofparky]

yes, he said exercise and PT therapy is right now the option

[Curious_Fred]

To be honest. I don't think frozen feet is the technical name. Sounds like Neuropathic pain. At the European Parkinson Therapy centre we treat this with Neuro physio. But you must see a Neurologist

[NewHope1961 in reply to Curious_Fred]

Is Neuro Physio a specific workout routine of physical therapy ?

[jeffmayer]

Does olit not help with freezing atall

[NewHope1961 in reply to jeffmayer]

thanks for the advice

[irenemonte]

i don’t think DBS will help with freezing gait but check with your doctor of course. i.had DBS to mainly eliminate dyskinesia and it was very successful but along came other symptoms from the progression of the disease so now i am dealing with frozen gait and gargled speech but they tell me that programming theDBS will not be effective for those symptoms

good luck o course and stay positive

be a warrior of PD …we can’t allow it to win

[Sherry1960 in reply to irenemonte]

I had my DBS surgery in June 2022. It was very successful in helping with my painful feet cramping (dystonia). However, like you I had some other symptoms from the progression of PD. My speech has a lisp now and then. I was able to reduce my meds by 25%. But I think when I when I see my MDS next month, I will have the frequency tweaked or take more meds. Have you noticed this as well?

[rebtar]

when you say “freezing of feet”, do you mean your feet feel stuck to the floor? Or they Lise sensation but you can walk?

[NewHope1961]

stuck to the floor

[Zscaleplanet]

Interestingly, I just came from my neurologist appt. 30-mins ago, and we were discussing this very subject, although I do not have freezing gaite at this time. She confirmed what others are saying, DBS does not help freezing gaite. She noted that research is looking at this because of it's affect on so many, and they are starting to consider (as she put it) "higher executive function". As with everything else, a cure is 5-years away........

[NewHope1961 in reply to Zscaleplanet]

thx