Medicana International Samsun Brain and Nerve Surgery Specialist Assoc. Dr. Enis Kuruoğlu gave information about the Brain Stimulator treatment process.
Individuals may lose their mobility and control due to damage to the areas where some specialized cells involved in movement control of the brain are collected and/or due to the insufficiency of the production of substances called neurotransmitters responsible for ensuring this control. The most important surgical method used in the treatment of neurological disorders that cause these damages is the brain pacemaker. Brain pacemaker, which is one of the adjustable and controllable surgical methods, is especially effective on patients with essential tremor (uncontrolled tremor that occurs during voluntary movements), Parkinson's disease and dystonia (involuntary contraction).
Thanks to the brain pacemaker, the electrodes placed on the patient are transferred to the patient. It can be controlled without contact, and the disease can be taken under control by making adjustments to correct the patient's complaints. Brain pacemaker operations performed using advanced technology carry less risk than other brain and neurosurgery operations. The quality of life of patients who undergo brain pacemaker surgery, especially Parkinson's patients, increases and their daily lives continue normally.
In Which Diseases Is It Used?
Brain pacemaker is used to minimize the symptoms of some diseases.
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Parkinson's disease,
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Epilepsy,
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Seen in some parts of the body tremor disorders (Essential Tremor),
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Involuntary contraction diseases seen in some parts of the body (Dystonia),
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Tic disorder (Tourette ),
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Obsessive compulsive disorders,
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Major depression.
Studies are being carried out to use brain pacemakers in the fields of Alzheimer's and obesity, as well as these diseases.
What are the effects?
After brain pacemaker operations, patients can return to their daily lives very quickly. can return. Especially the daily lives of Parkinson's patients and patients with involuntary contractions change depending on these symptoms. tremor seizures Reasons such as pain and excessive contraction of muscles cause patients to be unable to control their movements. Thanks to a brain battery, patients suffering from these symptoms return to the initial stages of their disease. While the majority of patients who undergo brain pacemaker surgery reduce their medication doses, some stop taking the medications they use completely.
Although brain pacemaker is effective on the symptoms, it does not completely eliminate the disease. Most neurological diseases occur due to damage to certain parts of the brain. Brain pacemaker does not restore these damaged areas to their normal state, but it is effective in relieving symptoms such as tremors, inability to control movement, and slowness of movements in the patient, which develop due to the dysfunction of this region.
Especially in Parkinson's patients, these symptoms can be minimized thanks to the brain pacemaker. takes place. Individuals who are in the 10th year of the disease and have advanced Parkinson's disease can return to the first stage of the disease after brain stimulation operations. Patients who cannot perform their daily tasks such as buttoning a shirt, preparing food or tying their shoes and who are disconnected from social life can continue their daily lives without needing help.
How is Brain Stimulation Surgery Performed?
Brain Stimulation Applications Its purpose is to provide electrical stimulation at regular intervals to the damaged and impaired electrical activity of the brain. For this purpose, it is first necessary to map the patients' brains. MRI and other imaging methods are used for the map. Then, taking this map into consideration, the areas where the electrodes should be placed are determined and thin cables that will provide electrical activity are placed in these determined areas. The battery that will provide the electrical stimulation is placed under the collarbone or in the chest cavity.
Although the general outlines of brain stimulation surgery are as follows, a series of procedures are performed before, during and after the surgery.
Pre-Surgery
Various tests and examinations are performed on patients in order to determine their condition before surgery. MRI and brain tomography are imaging methods used to create brain maps of patients. In addition, some tests are performed to check the patients' suitability for anesthesia.
Blood tests and urine tests are performed to find out the general condition of the patient. Checks are performed to indicate general health status, such as blood count, hormone status, and kidney functions. In this way, it is understood whether the patients are ready for surgery or not. Apart from these tests, other tests deemed appropriate by physicians are also applied.
Brain stimulation surgeries affect patients not only physically but also psychologically. For this reason, psychiatric interviews are held for patients deemed appropriate by physicians, thus providing relief to the patients.
After listening to the patient's medical history, learning about the medications used, and after these examinations and tests, the patient becomes ready for surgery.
Surgery
Brain stimulation surgeries can be performed while the patient is awake or under anesthesia. This is determined according to the patient's disease and physician preference. In surgeries performed while the patient is awake, surgeons make a small hole in the area where local anesthesia is applied and electrodes are placed in the areas determined on the brain map. Although the patients are conscious during this procedure and the adjustment of the electrodes, there is no pain or sensation of pain. Batteries are placed under the skin of patients, usually in the rib cage. Therefore, general anesthesia is applied to the patients so that they do not feel any pain during the operation.
In the surgery performed under anesthesia, the patient is first put to sleep. Then, the electrodes are placed in the targeted area and then the battery placement is performed in the same session.
Brain battery surgeries are among the most risk-free brain operations. Although surgery times vary from patient to patient, the average is between 2-5 hours.
After Surgery
On the first day after brain battery surgery, patients must be in the hospital due to the possibility of some complications. It is normal for patients to experience pain in the head area after surgery. Along with pain, dizziness is also a common effect. This temporary pain and dizziness are abnormal. If it is severe enough, medical intervention is required.
Although brain battery surgeries are one of the most risk-free surgeries, it is possible to experience some complications and side effects, as in every surgery. Vascular occlusions, infections, bleeding, visual disturbances, loss of balance and nerve damage are some of the complications that may occur.
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