The main goal of surgery is to improve symptom control. Some symptoms may respond better than others, your neurologist will be able to advise on this so make sure you discuss the potential benefits and weigh these up again possible risks. It is estimated that approximately 70% of those who have surgery experience a significant improvement.
Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) can have very quick results and tremor can be seen to subside during the operation. DBS is adjustable and so the stimulation can be modified as the person's illness progresses or their response to medications change. Such modifications do not require further surgery.
DBS also has the advantage that it can be turned off at any time if side effects become a problem, unlike Pallidotomy and Thalamotomy which cannot be reversed as a part of the brain is destroyed during this surgery.
