Current neurology and neuroscience reports
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The surgical treatment of epilepsy is expanding in an exciting and unprecedented way. This review highlights some of the recent advances in neuroimaging that have improved epilepsy surgery. In addition, novel therapies currently being evaluated in clinical trials, including gamma knife radiosurgery, deep brain stimulation, and responsive stimulation, are discussed. Further surgical developments that will be ready for human application in the near future are highlighted.
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Throughout the past decade, there has been a marked increase in surgical therapies, primarily deep brain stimulation (DBS), for the treatment of advanced Parkinson's disease (PD). DBS of the thalamus has been shown to be effective in reducing parkinsonian tremor; however, it is not the treatment of choice for PD given the progression of other symptoms such as rigidity and bradykinesia. ⋯ Complications associated with DBS are related to the experience of the surgical center. Referring physicians and patients should be aware of the number of surgical procedures and complication rates of any prospective surgical center.