Neuro Note #2

In the past week, the two neuro classes that I have been taking in OT school have discussed Parkinson's Disease (PD). No cure exists for this disease. There are different forms of treatment for the symptoms ranging from therapeutic to drug to surgery. Occupational therapists are use to help a client with assistive technologies to make life easier. The most common symptom and earliest visible sign, is a resting tremor. OT's can introduce a client to weighted forks, spoons, or knives. Medications to treat PD focus on preserving dopamine or providing the necessary materials to aid in the production or use of dopamine. A popular drug is called Ldopa. A newer form of treatment is deep brain stimulation (DBS). DBS is considered when a client's symptoms are no longer controllable by medications. DBS is performed by surgically implanting a device called a neurostimulator, like a pacemaker for the brain. The device delivers electrical stimulation to targeted areas of the brain that control motor movement by blocking the abnormal nerve signals that cause PD symptoms. 

How does someone know if they are a good candidate for DBS? They have had symptoms for the last five years, have had off and on fluctuations, still having a good response to meds even though the duration is short, and their symptoms interfering with activites of daily life. There are few brain target areas that the FDA has approved they are: thalamus, subthalamic nucleus, and a portion of the globus pallidus. So how does a client choose the area to treat? A client should talk with their doctor to see which taget would benefit them the most. A client and doctor should also discuss which areas are safer to treat and cause the least side effects. DBS is still a newer treatment and should be considered carefully. DBS does not keep a client from needing to continue medication, but it does lessen the amount they will need to take. Some side affects include: stroke, infection, cranial bleeding or any complications with anesthesia. 

I choose to research DBS, because it was something that was not mentioned well in class. I wanted to look more into a newer procedure that could help those with PD and a possible areas that OT's may be assisting in the recovery and daily functioning in the years to come. It seems that the success of DBS is growing as more research is performed and assessed. I would recommend that any OT be familiar with new treatments, even if they are not specifically performed by an OT, that are offered for diseases that OT's commonly encounter. 

(May 4, 2017). National Parkinson's Foundation. Retrieved from: http://www.parkinson.org/understanding-parkinsons/treatment/surgery-treatment-options/Deep-Brain-Stimulation