VA TECHNOLOGY ASSESSMENT PROGRAM
PROJECT REPORT – PATIENT SUMMARY
ON
Stereotactic Pallidotomy for Treatment of Parkinson's Disease

In this report:

• What is Parkinson’s disease?
• Who is affected by Parkinson’s disease?
• How do I know if I have Parkinson’s disease?
• What is the treatment for Parkinson’s disease?
• What is stereotactic pallidotomy?
• Who is eligible for stereotactic pallidotomy?
• Why was the VHA interested in this topic?
• How did the VHA investigate this topic?
• What did the VHA find?
• How will this report affect patient care?

What is Parkinson’s disease?
Parkinson’s disease is the progressive destruction of nerves cells that produce and respond to a chemical called dopamine, resulting in a decrease in the amount of dopamine available in the brain. The reasons for this are not fully understood. Parkinson’s disease causes your body to lose control of movement, producing rigid walking and arm movements, cramped handwriting, slurred speech, and slow reflexes.

Who is affected by Parkinson’s disease?
The people most likely to have Parkinson’s disease are 50 years of age or older.

How do I know if I have Parkinson’s disease?
If you notice your body shaking, slowed and rigid movements and slower reflexes, go to the doctor for a physical examination.

What is the treatment for Parkinson’s disease?
The main treatment for Parkinson’s disease is to replace your body’s lost dopamine with the drug form of dopamine. This type of drug therapy is called dopamine replacement therapy. Surgery may be an option for some patients when drug therapy is not an option.

What is stereotactic pallidotomy?
Palliodotomy is surgery to remove the part of the brain affected by Parkinson’s disease called the globus pallidus. This technique can reduce or eliminate some of the movement problems associated with Parkinson’s disease.

Who is eligible for stereotactic pallidotomy?
People with advanced Parkinson’s disease who can not take dopamine or do not respond to dopamine replacement therapy may be eligible for stereotactic pallidotomy.

Why was the VHA interested in this topic?
The VHA wants to improve healthcare for Parkinson’s patients. The VHA wanted to know if stereotactic pallidotomy helps people with Parkinson’s disease.

How did the VHA investigate this topic?
The VHA reviewed the medical literature to determine if stereotactic pallidotomy was a safe procedure that improved the lives of patients living with Parkinson’s disease.

What did the VHA find?
The VHA found that that pallidotomy improves the signs of Parkinson’s disease and improving life for patients with this disease. However, there was not enough information to make a definite conclusion that the benefit of this surgery outweighs the risks.

How will this report affect patient care?
The VHA is conducting a research study to learn more information about stereotactic pallidotomy. This research will help the VHA deliver better healthcare to veterans with Parkinson’s disease.

Websites with more information on this topic

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