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Today, 22 November 2009

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Yesterday, 21 November 2009

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Question

My 70 year old mother has been suffering from Parkinson's Disease for the last 12 years. She is on Sinemet, but finds that the side effects are very upsetting. She has been advised that a pallidotomy is the only treatment that may improve her condition. Can you tell me about pallidotomy?

Answer

At present no one can tell you a lot about pallidotomy. It is a fairly new procedure in which a part of the brain called the globus pallidus is located using stereotactic surgical techniques, and has a small cut made in it.

At present there are no strict guidelines laid down for its use. The long term effects are unknown and there is no knowledge of how a pallidotomy could affect ones response to any future treatments for Parkinson's disease.

It is thought to be particularly effective in disease which has been present for some time and in which the side effects of drugs are very bothersome.

It's main effect seems to be that of reducing the stiffness which is characteristic of Parkinson's, but it is thought to have little effect on the slowing of movement.

General advice and a regular newsletter for Parkinson's Disease suffers and their caretakers can be sought from the South African Parkinsonian Association, PO Box 1446, Lonehill, Bryanston 2062. They are listed on the internet under World Wide Parkinson's Societies

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