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How much improvement is seen in patients after undergoing a pallidotomy?
Studies show the procedure generally improves tremor, rigidity, and slowed movements by 25-60%.
What risks are associated with pallidotomy?
Pallidotomy is major surgery on the brain. It may cause excessive bleeding, and care must be taken in patients susceptible to uncontrolled bleeding or who are on anticoagulant therapy.
How soon after surgery does a pallidotomy patient feel better?
Patients will feel improved movement immediately.
What weight fluctuation may occur after pallidotomy surgery?
Most patients gain weight after surgery.
What type of hospital stay is required for a pallidotomy?
Pallidotomy takes several hours to perform. In some medical centers, pallidotomy is performed as an outpatient procedure, and patients are sent home the same day. Most centers provide an overnight stay or longer for observation and recuperation
What condition is taken into account when determining whether a patient should undergo a pallidotomy?
Pallidotomy is performed in patients with Parkinson's disease who are still responsive to levodopa, but who have developed disabling drug treatment complications known as motor fluctuations.
What may occur after a very fragile patient undergoes a pallidotomy?
Some cognitively fragile patients may become even more impaired after surgery.
What specialist performs the pallidotomy?
Pallidotomy is performed in the hospital by a neurosurgeon, in coordination with the patient's neurologist.
What is a basic difference between the unilateral and bilateral pallidotomy?
For unilateral pallidotomy, a single "burr hole" is made in the top of the skull; bilateral pallidotomy requires two holes.
What percentage of pallidotomy patients suffer from hemorrhage after surgery?
Hemorrhage may occur in 2-6%, visual field deficits in 0-6%, and weakness in 2-8%.
What percentage of pallidotomy patients suffer from weakness after surgery?
Hemorrhage may occur in 2-6%, visual field deficits in 0-6%, and weakness in 2-8%.
How does the pallidotomy procedure mimic the effect of dopamine?
Pallidotomy mimics this action by permanently destroying the GPi cells.
