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It is with some diffidence that I venture to ask " What is a Pallidotomy for PD?". This is because I am a newbie here and I am probably asking something everyone else knows all about. I know that the term refers to a neurolgical operation carried out on each hemisphere of the brain. However, I don't really see how a procedure which my medical dictionary describes as "... the creation of lesions by sterotaxic surgery in the globus pallidus for treatment of extra-pyramidal disorders..." can rectify the patient's dopamine insuffiency. I note that it is claimed that "...Pallidotomy is effective for all the symptoms of Parkinson's disease..." But what exactly does this mean? At the risk of appearing churlish, does this mean that it suppresses the symptoms without treating the underlying cause. How effectively ? 50%, 75%, 99% ? And for how long is it effective? How long has Pallidotomy been practised as a treament for PD, and how many patients have been treated? Does it work in all cases? What other indications are there for Pallidotomy, how commonly is it used for these other diseases? In particular, I would be concerned about the extent and severity of any side-effects, such as collateral damage to other brain functions. I note that only at Loma Linda is the procedure done on both sides of the brain at the same time. If other practitioners, don't do this, it suggests to me that the procedure may not be considered entirely risk free, in respects other than the stroke and peripheral vision risks mentioned. I would also be interested to read any first-hand accounts of the treatment. Once again, I apologise, for these questions, but I want to learn as much as I can about a treatment that is so highly praised.