How Is Parkinson’s Battery Surgery Performed?

Parkinson’s battery surgery, medically known as Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS), is one of the most effective surgical treatment methods used in the advanced stages of Parkinson’s disease. As Parkinson’s disease progresses, dopamine production decreases, leading to symptoms such as tremor, muscle stiffness, slow movement, and fluctuating responses to medications. During these stages, medication alone may no longer be sufficient, and the patient’s quality of life can significantly decline. At this point, Parkinson’s battery surgery can provide substantial relief for patients.

DBS is based on placing electrodes in the brain’s movement control centers and connecting these electrodes to a battery-powered device implanted in the chest. The aim of the surgery is to regulate the balance of nerve cells by sending controlled electrical signals to the brain, thereby reducing Parkinson’s symptoms. This procedure is complex and requires advanced technology as well as highly experienced surgeons. In Türkiye, one of the prominent experts in this field is Prof. Dr. Ömür Günaldı, who has been successfully performing Parkinson’s battery surgeries for many years.

Who Is a Candidate for Parkinson’s Battery Surgery?

Parkinson’s battery surgery is not suitable for every patient with Parkinson’s disease. During the surgical evaluation, factors such as the patient’s age, duration of the disease, response to medications, and overall health condition are carefully assessed. Patients who are typically candidates for surgery include:

• Individuals whose tremor, slow movement, and muscle stiffness cannot be controlled with medication
• Patients whose quality of life is significantly affected by medication side effects
• Those experiencing “on-off” fluctuations throughout the day
• Younger or middle-aged patients
• Patients diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease for at least five years

Determining surgical candidacy requires a comprehensive neurological and psychiatric evaluation.

How Is Parkinson’s Battery Surgery Performed?

Parkinson’s battery surgery is a highly planned and precise procedure performed in several stages. Generally, the process includes three main steps: placing electrodes in the brain, implanting the battery device in the chest, and programming the system.

Preoperative Evaluation

Before the surgery, patients undergo a detailed evaluation process:

• Brain MRI scans are performed
• Neuropsychological tests are conducted
• Neurologists and neurosurgeons jointly assess the patient
• The patient’s response to medications is evaluated

During this stage, Prof. Dr. Ömür Günaldı uses advanced imaging techniques to determine the exact brain area that will be targeted during surgery. In some cases, part of the procedure may be performed while the patient is awake in order to obtain neurological feedback during electrode placement.

Electrode Placement in the Brain

This stage is the most critical and technically demanding part of Parkinson’s battery surgery.

Stereotactic Surgery Method

To accurately reach the targeted area in the brain, a highly precise guidance system called a stereotactic frame is used.

• The stereotactic frame is fixed to the patient’s head
• MRI and CT scans are used to create a detailed brain map
• The movement-control center responsible for symptoms is identified with millimeter precision

Performing the Surgery While Awake

In many patients, this stage is performed while the patient is awake under light sedation. The reasons for this approach include:

• Immediately testing whether the electrode is in the correct location
• Observing changes in tremor and movement in real time

Low-voltage electrical stimulation is applied during the procedure to evaluate whether tremor improves. This allows surgeons to confirm that the electrode has been placed in the correct brain region.

Fixation of the Electrodes

Once the correct location is confirmed, the electrodes are securely fixed in the brain. These thin and durable electrode wires are then guided beneath the skin toward the back of the head so that they can later be connected to the battery device.

Implanting the Battery in the Chest (IPG Device)

The second stage of the operation is usually performed under general anesthesia.

• A small pocket is created under the skin in the chest area
• A battery device called an Implantable Pulse Generator (IPG) is placed in this pocket
• The electrode wires from the brain are tunneled under the skin and connected to the chest device

This stage is generally shorter, and many patients are able to stand and walk the day after surgery.

Programming the Device

The programming process usually begins a few days after the operation.

Several parameters are adjusted according to the patient’s symptoms:

• Battery voltage
• Electrical current intensity
• Stimulation frequency

The programming process may take several weeks. The device is carefully adjusted to reduce tremor, muscle stiffness, and slow movement. This stage is one of the most important steps for achieving long-term treatment success.

Prof. Dr. Ömür Günaldı emphasizes that precise programming tailored to the patient’s clinical condition significantly improves the success of DBS therapy.

Benefits of Parkinson’s Battery Surgery

When applied to the right patient, Parkinson’s battery surgery can dramatically improve quality of life.

Significant Reduction in Symptoms

• Tremor is greatly reduced
• Muscle stiffness decreases
• Slow movements improve
• Motor fluctuations in advanced Parkinson’s become less severe

Reduction in Medication Dosage

Many patients require significantly lower doses of medication after surgery.

Increased Independence

Patients often regain the ability to perform daily activities more easily and maintain a more independent lifestyle.

Long-Term Effectiveness

DBS can remain effective for many years. When necessary, the battery can be replaced with a relatively simple procedure.

Recovery After Parkinson’s Battery Surgery

Patients are usually discharged from the hospital within 2–3 days after the surgery.

Recovery Stages

• Mild pain may occur during the first week
• Surgical incisions typically heal within a few weeks
• Device settings are checked and adjusted regularly during the first month
• Medication dosages may be modified

Regular follow-up visits are very important after surgery. Physiotherapy and exercise programs following DBS surgery can further improve treatment outcomes.

Parkinson’s battery surgery is one of the most effective treatment options for advanced Parkinson’s disease. By delivering controlled electrical stimulation to the brain’s movement centers, symptoms such as tremor, muscle stiffness, and slow movement can be significantly reduced. The success of the surgery depends on proper patient selection, accurate targeting of the brain region, and careful programming of the device. For this reason, the procedure should be performed by experienced specialists. In Türkiye, Prof. Dr. Ömür Günaldı highlights that Parkinson’s battery surgery represents one of the most powerful clinical interventions in the management of Parkinson’s disease.