Deep Brain Stimulation for Parkinson’s Disease

Parkinson’s disease is a neurodegenerative disorder that presents significant challenges for those affected and their families. While there is no cure, various treatments can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life. One of the most promising surgical options for advanced Parkinson’s is Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS). 

Gladiator Therapeutics will explain what DBS is, how it works, who might be a good candidate, and how Gladiator’s healing products can help the DBS healing process, providing a comprehensive overview for patients and caregivers.

Understanding Parkinson’s Disease

Parkinson’s disease is a progressive condition that primarily affects the nervous system. It’s infamous for its motor symptoms like tremors, muscle rigidity, and slowness of movement (bradykinesia). However, the impact of Parkinson’s extends beyond movement. Many people also experience non-motor symptoms, such as depression, sleep disturbances, and cognitive decline.

Globally, Parkinson’s disease affects up to 10 million people, with approximately 500,000 of those cases in the United States alone. Recent data suggest that this number has risen to 1,000,000. As a chronic condition, its symptoms worsen over time, making effective management crucial for maintaining independence and well-being.

What is Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS)?

Deep Brain Stimulation is a neurosurgical procedure used to treat movement disorders, most notably Parkinson’s disease. It involves implanting a medical device, often referred to as a “brain pacemaker,” that sends electrical impulses to specific areas of the brain. These signals help regulate the abnormal brain activity that causes the motor symptoms of Parkinson’s. DBS doesn’t cure the disease, but it can significantly improve motor function and reduce the need for medication.

How DBS Works

The DBS system consists of three main components that work together to manage symptoms:

• Surgical Procedure: A surgeon implants a very thin wire, known as an electrode, into a targeted area of the brain. Common targets for Parkinson’s include the subthalamic nucleus or the globus pallidus. These areas are involved in controlling movement.
• Neurostimulator: This small, pacemaker-like device is implanted under the skin, usually near the collarbone on the chest. It contains a battery and the electronics needed to generate electrical pulses. A wire runs under the skin, connecting the neurostimulator to the electrode in the brain.
• Electrical Pulses: The neurostimulator sends continuous electrical pulses through the wire to the brain electrode. These pulses block or modify the irregular brain signals that cause movement problems, effectively disrupting the faulty circuits.
• Adjustable Settings: A key feature of DBS is its adjustability. A neurologist can non-invasively program the neurostimulator’s settings using an external controller to optimize symptom relief for each individual patient.

The Benefits of DBS for Parkinson’s Disease

For eligible patients, DBS can be a life-changing treatment. The primary benefits include:

• Improved Motor Function: DBS can significantly reduce key motor symptoms such as tremors, stiffness, and slowness. It is also effective at controlling medication-induced dyskinesia, which are the involuntary, writhing movements that can occur after long-term use of levodopa.
• Reduced Medication Needs: Many patients find they can substantially lower their dosage of Parkinson’s medications after undergoing DBS. This reduction can, in turn, lessen the side effects associated with these drugs.
• Improved Quality of Life: By providing better control over motor symptoms, DBS allows many individuals to regain the ability to perform daily activities more easily. Studies have shown that the benefits of DBS can last for many years, offering long-term symptom management.

Who is a Good Candidate for DBS?

DBS is not suitable for everyone with Parkinson’s disease. A thorough evaluation by a specialized medical team is necessary to determine if a person is a good candidate. Generally, the criteria for eligibility include:

• Having motor symptoms that are not adequately controlled by medication.
• Experiencing significant “on-off” fluctuations, where medication effectiveness wears off between doses.
• Having troublesome dyskinesia.
• Being in good overall health is required to undergo surgery.

It’s important to note that DBS is most effective for motor symptoms. According to the Parkinson’s Foundation, it may not significantly help with issues like speech problems, swallowing difficulties, or freezing of gait.

Potential Risks and Side Effects of DBS

Like any surgical procedure, DBS carries potential risks. These include small risks of infection or bleeding in the brain. There can also be hardware-related issues, such as the wire breaking or the neurostimulator malfunctioning.

Some patients may experience side effects from the stimulation itself, which can often be managed by adjusting the device’s settings. These can include slight changes in speech clarity or difficulty finding the right word. Ongoing monitoring and management with a dedicated medical team are essential to maximizing benefits and minimizing adverse effects.

The Role of Gladiator Therapeutics in Supporting Parkinson’s Patients

At Gladiator Therapeutics, we understand the profound impact Parkinson’s disease has on individuals and their loved ones. Our mission is to provide effective treatment options that help alleviate symptoms and improve overall well-being.

Our patented SemiCera® Technology, originally used for wound healing, offers a range of therapeutic benefits. These include stimulating healing, improving blood flow and oxygenation, increasing mitochondrial function, and producing anti-inflammatory effects. We believe these properties show potential for Parkinson’s treatment by addressing mitochondrial dysfunction and inflammation, which are contributing factors to the disease’s progression.

Gladiator Therapeutics is exploring how SemiCera® Technology could serve as a non-invasive adjunct therapy to improve motor performance and support the health of dopaminergic cells in patients. This could lead to better symptom management and an enhanced quality of life. Contact us today to learn more or view our healing products.