Advanced Treatment for Parkinson's Disease
Palmdale Regional offers hope to patients with Parkinson’s disease using deep brain stimulation (DBS). DBS is an FDA-approved treatment to correct abnormal electrical activity in the brain that causes neurological movement disorders, including Parkinson’s disease, and essential tremors.
Tiny wire electrodes are placed in the brain and a small generator similar to a pacemaker is implanted in the chest. The generator delivers electrical signals to the areas of the brain that control movement, pain, mood, weight and obsessive-compulsive thoughts. The generator allows patients or clinicians to turn the system on and off.
Schedule an Appointment
To schedule an appointment or get a referral to a neurologist at Palmdale Regional Medical Center, call 1-800-851-9780.
Is DBS Right for Me?
DBS is commonly performed on people with Parkinson's disease when their symptoms can no longer be controlled by medications. It is not right for everyone. DBS is not a cure for Parkinson's and it does not slow the progression of the disease, but it can help reduce symptoms such as:
- Tremors
- Rigidity
- Stiffness
- Slow movements
- Walking problems
Prognosis
Many people who have DBS experience great improvement in their symptoms and quality of life after the procedure. Most people still need to take medication, but at a lower dosage.
This surgery is riskier in people over age 70 and those with health conditions such as high blood pressure and diseases that affect blood vessels in the brain. Talk to your doctor about the potential benefits and risks. The DBS procedure can be reversed if needed.
Meet the Surgeon
Tyler Carson, DO, is board-certified in neurosurgery. He completed his neurosurgery residency at Riverside University Health System in Moreno Valley, California, and his spine fellowship at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville. He is a member of the American Association of Neurological Surgeons.