Date: Sun, 03 Dec 1995 15:39:05 -0600 To: [log in to unmask] Subject: Pallidotomy In a recent e-mail you recommended an evaluation by Dr. Lang in Toronto re a pallidotomy. Are you aware that they also offer a pallidal brain stimulation? We are wondering whether the pallidal brain stimulation would be better than the pallidotomy? Any comparisons that you are aware of would be appreciated? Thank you and regards, Dear Dan and Bev, I am going to answer your inquiry via the public BBS since others may be interested. Yes, I was aware that Toronto offered the pallidal brain stim. However in my opinion there are few if any advantages of the stim over a Pallidotomy. The fact that a stim is reversible is often cited but then who would want to reverse the benefits from a surgery. Furthermore there is the necessity of maintenance with a stim- batteries, wires, connections etc. Not to mention the placing of an unnatural and foreign substance in your body. I talked recently to Carol Wilson the only stim we have done at Loma Linda University Medical Center and asked her the question if she had it to do over again would she opt for the Pallidotomy or the stim? Her response was immediate she would opt for the Pallidotomy. I know that others on the list have had a positive result with the stim so I offer this as one perspective to your question. Don Dr. Don Berns 4943 Del Monte Rd. La Canada, CA 91011 818-790-8812 <[log in to unmask]>