Neurological disorder patients at Duke are evaluated and reviewed before being considered for surgical intervention. Surgery can include both standard and novel forms of treatment, and long-term follow-up is critical.

Current forms of surgical interventions can include ablation therapy for alleviation neurological disorder symptoms such as tremors, dyskinesias, rigidity, and bradykinesia.

During the ablation therapy, the portions of the brain that create abnormal movement are destroyed with pin-point accuracy, ensuring the safety and recovery of the patient.

All of these treatments are performed using 3D imaging and MRI control of the target area. Electrodes are used to treat certain areas of the brain, either in the thalamus or globus pallidus. The electrodes deliver a small charge, ablating the affected areas and alleviating the symptoms of the movement disorder.

Both pallidotomy (inactivation of specific parts of the brain via surgery) and thalamotomy (precise destruction of the thalamus to control involuntary movements as in Parkinson's disease) are performed under careful monitoring and mapping, using state-of-the-art equipment.

Newer forms of treatment being considered in the near future include:

• Pallidal-stimulating electrodes, for placement near a previous pallidotomy to reduce the risks of bilateral lesions.

• Intraventricular administration of a growth factor (GDNF) specific to cells lost in Parkinson’s disease.

• Various forms of neural cell transplantation, another potential form of therapy for Parkinson's disease.

To learn more about the neurological disorders services Duke provides, or to get a referral or schedule an appointment, call 888-ASK-DUKE (888-275-3853).