Brain pacemaker is a successful treatment method in some neurological diseases that cause involuntary movement disorders in the body.
In which diseases a brain pacemaker is applied?
- Parkinson's disease
- Dystonia (A disease group in which the body is constantly involuntarily strained and twisted)
- Tremor (Trembling disease)
- Epilepsy
- Huntington's disease (A genetic disease where movement coordination is progressively impaired)
How is it applied?
In this process; Fine wires are placed in the ''brain cores'' located in the middle part of the brain with a very sensitive method and electrical stimulation is constantly given through a pacemaker placed in the chest or abdomen. In this way, the nerve cells whose electrical activity is impaired due to the disease are re-organized and the symptoms of the disease disappear.
Especially Parkinson's and tremor patients can get rid of the difficulties such as tremors, not being able to walk and speak in a short time and have the opportunity to live a normal life.
Before a pacemaker can be applied, a series of detailed examinations, imaging, and neuro-psychiatric evaluation tests must be performed and the patient's suitability for this treatment must be demonstrated.
Brain pacemaker surgery can only be applied to patients who are likely to benefit from the treatment.
The surgery is usually done as the patient is awake. Before the operation, an apparatus named stereotactic frame is placed on the patient's head, and then the images are taken and coordinate calculations are made. As a result of very precise calculations with advanced computer programs, targets are determined and cables are placed at these points with local anesthesia.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT BRAIN PACEMAKER
Is the pacemaker being replaced?
One pacemaker can be used for approximately 5-6 years. At the end of this period, the old pacemaker can be replaced with a new one in 15 minutes without interfering with the cables in the brain.
How does the brain pacemaker affect daily life?
After the operation, the patient can return to work and social life as the doctor deems it appropriate. While the person can easily meet his/her daily needs, he/she can live as a healthy individual.
Can those who have a brain pacemaker pass through security devices?
It is not a problem for patients with a brain pacemaker to enter x-ray, safety screening devices.
Can patients with a pacemaker have tomography or MR? There is no problem in these patients to have tomography. Body MR is not recommended, but MR can be taken properly to visualize the brain.
Is it unfavorable for patients with brain pacemakers to do sports or exercises?
Patients can exercise properly, even an active life is very important. However, sports that require close contact and may cause trauma should be avoided.
Prepared by Memorial Medical Editorial Board.
23 August 2023
17 June 2020
Our health library contents have been prepared for informational purposes only and with the scientific data on the registration date. For all your questions, concerns, diagnosis or treatment about your health, please consult your doctor or health institution.
