Treatment of Movement DIsorders and BraIn Battery

Movement Disorders: Parkinson’s, Essential Tremor, and Dystonia

Movement disorders such as Parkinson’s disease, essential tremor, and dystonia occur due to the malfunction of brain centers that control movement. These conditions may cause involuntary movements, tremors, and stiffness in the arms and legs. In advanced cases where medications fail to provide relief, a surgical solution known as brain battery therapy (Deep Brain Stimulation) may be recommended. This procedure aims to reduce symptoms and may allow patients to reduce or stop their medication intake.

Symptoms of Movement Disorders

Patients typically have a history of neurological treatment and show little or no response to medications. Common symptoms include:

• Difficulty initiating and controlling movements
• Involuntary movements in various parts of the body
• Tremors in hands, arms, or head
• Walking and balance issues
• Speech and swallowing difficulties
• Visual or auditory hallucinations

Diagnostic Process

The diagnosis of movement disorders is primarily based on clinical evaluation. However, imaging techniques such as Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) are crucial to confirm the diagnosis and plan surgical procedures.

Treatment Options for Movement Disorders

Medication Therapy

Medication is the first line of treatment after diagnosis. Drugs aim to balance the chemical levels in the brain and control symptoms. However, some patients either do not respond to medications or prefer an alternative due to side effects or limited benefit, especially in cases like essential tremor. These patients may be considered for surgical intervention.

Surgical Treatment: Brain Battery (Deep Brain Stimulation)

In surgical treatment, thin electrodes are implanted in specific areas of the brain that are responsible for movement regulation. This process is known as Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS). The surgery follows several steps:

• An MRI scan is conducted with a special head frame to map out the exact areas for electrode placement.
• Small incisions are made in the scalp, and tiny holes are drilled into the skull to insert the electrodes.
• These electrodes are then connected to a battery (neurostimulator) placed under the skin, typically near the collarbone.
• The system delivers regular electrical impulses to correct abnormal brain activity and reduce symptoms.

Conditions Treated with Brain Battery Surgery

Deep Brain Stimulation is widely used to manage various neurological and psychiatric conditions, including:

• Parkinson’s disease
• Epilepsy
• Essential tremor
• Dystonia (involuntary muscle contractions)
• Tourette syndrome (tic disorders)
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
• Major depressive disorder (treatment-resistant depression)

Ongoing research is exploring the potential use of brain battery technology for conditions like Alzheimer’s disease and obesity.

How Is Brain Battery Surgery Performed?

The goal of brain battery surgery is to send electrical signals to areas of the brain with abnormal activity. Here’s an overview of the procedure:

• A detailed brain map is created using MRI and other imaging technologies.
• Based on the map, neurosurgeons determine the ideal electrode placement points.
• Thin wires (electrodes) are inserted into targeted brain regions.
• A battery-powered stimulator is implanted under the chest skin to deliver regulated electrical impulses.

While the surgery may seem straightforward in its general structure, it involves a carefully coordinated process that includes pre-operative assessments, intraoperative planning, and post-operative follow-ups to ensure optimal results.