Re: Pallidotomy Query by Barb Davis

[Don/Karen Berns <dkberns.berns@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

Dear Barb,

I had a bilateral pallidotomy on Dec ,1993 a day for which I will forever
be thankful.  I had had PD for 12 1/2 years at the time of my pallidotomy
and was quite debilitated with my PD.

The most important aspect of a pallidotomy is the surgeon performing the
operation.  Very few neurosurgeons have the experience and the expertise to
get an excellent result.  The lesions need to be placed in the posterior
part of the globus pallidus within one millimeter of the target which is
located right along the optic nerve and the internal capsule.

In answer to the question someone raised as to, "Why pallidotomy when a DBS
is available",  my answer is:
A pallidotomy done correctly provides a reversal of all the symptoms plus
the elimination of dykinesias with out leaving a foreign object in your
body which can cause problems. (breakage of leads, change of batteries etc.)

So Barb,  be sure to talk with other patients who have had pallidotomies by
your surgeon and find out how many pallidotomies he/she has done.

The pallidotomy does not represent a cure but it is the next best thing.

After nine years I am still remarkably improved thanks to my pallidotomy.

Feel free to call (412-650-6812) of or contact me via e-mail if you have
further questions.

Your pallidotomy pal,

Don Berns

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