Functional Neurosurgery (Epilepsy, Parkinson’s Disease)

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What is Functional Neurosurgery?

Functional Neurosurgery refers to surgical interventions aimed at treating neurological conditions that affect how the brain, spinal cord, or peripheral nervous system functions. These surgeries focus on alleviating the symptoms of movement disorders, epilepsy, chronic pain, and other neurological diseases by targeting specific regions of the nervous system. Two common applications of functional neurosurgery are for Epilepsy and Parkinson’s Disease.

When to consult a doctor for Functional Neurosurgery ( Epilepsy Parkinson's disease, trigeminal neuralgia)?

A thorough review of your symptoms, medical history, and neurological examination helps determine if you're a candidate for surgery. Tests such as MRI, CT scan, or EEG (for epilepsy) are often used to pinpoint the areas of the brain responsible for the condition. Functional MRI may help map brain activity to better understand which regions are affected. In many conditions, such as Parkinson’s or epilepsy, functional neurosurgery is considered only if medications fail to control symptoms.

You should consult a doctor if:

  • Symptoms are not well-controlled with medication or therapy, such as in the case of movement disorders or epilepsy.
  • Neurological symptoms worsen or cause significant impairment in daily life.
  • You experience chronic, severe pain that does not respond to conventional treatments.
  • Medications cause intolerable side effects and you want to explore surgical options.
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Causes
  • Genetic factors
  • Brain injury (trauma, stroke, infection)
  • Brain tumors or structural abnormalities
  • Loss of dopamine-producing neurons in the brain (exact cause unknown)
  • Genetics and environmental factors may play a role
  • Developmental disorders
Symptoms
  • Seizures (convulsive or non-convulsive)
  • Loss of consciousness or awareness
  • Staring spells
  • Sudden jerking movements of the arms and legs
  • Tremors, particularly in the hands or fingers
  • Muscle stiffness
  • Impaired posture and balance
Frequently Asked Questions

Recovery time varies by procedure. For deep brain stimulation, most patients can return to their normal activities within a few weeks, but adjustments to the stimulator may be needed in the months following surgery.

Non-surgical treatments like medications, physical therapy, or cognitive-behavioral therapy are first-line treatments. Surgery is usually considered when these options are no longer effective or tolerable.

Functional neurosurgery is not usually a cure but a way to manage symptoms more effectively when other treatments fail. It can significantly improve quality of life for many patients with neurological or psychiatric disorders.