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Chris.... This isn't a "which brain surgery's the best CONTEST!" Because I shared my OWN experience doesn't mean I was putting down anyone else's experience with a different surgical experience. I had my pallidotomy in 1994, prior to ANY kind of DBS being available in the USA (where I happen to live) except as a tightly FDA-controlled experiment. Also at that time DBS, being experimental, was not financially covered by ANY medical program, including Medicare or one's HMO - a major deterrent against anyone jumping up and running out to immediately pop for brain surgery! And ya know what? Maybe in 5 or 6 (or 8 or 9) years folks will look at DBS and say "You had THAT archaic procedure? Geee.... for $1.95, with a little tweak of a gene while in utero there are hasn't been a new case of Parkinson's in YEARS!" Let's just hope that a the same time, those who already have PD will be able to get a "tweak," too! And HECK - I'D be willing to pay out-of-pocket up to at LEAST $20 or even $30 along with the "tweak!" Barb Mallut [log in to unmask] -----Original Message----- From: Chris van der Linden <[log in to unmask]> To: [log in to unmask] <[log in to unmask]> Date: Tuesday, February 29, 2000 3:36 AM Subject: Re: Pallidotomy outcome/ Not for me >The best alternative is is a bilateral STN stimulation, hardly any risks, >reversible, adjustable and sustained effect. > >In our hospital pallidotomies are obsolete!!!!!!!!!!!! > >Chris van der Linden