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I admit that I hastily composed the message I sent earlier today. I should have taken the time to be more thoughtful in presenting it to the list. Perhaps this will better state what I was trying to communicate. Although Pallidotomy is not suited for everyone, I certainly think it is a viable long term treatment for those struggling with their current drug therapies. First, through the many years this procedure has been performed on Parkinsonian's, insufficient knowledge of the intended lesion site caused many grave consequences. Without MRI technology to give required imaging to find the exact port where hyperactivity causes the severe side effects of synthetic dopamine, it was a far more daunting task to minimize risk. Another reason for improved results is the selectivity surgeons use when choosing appropriate candidates. By using an aneastetic that allows the patient to be alert and able to communicate with the surgeon, patients are able to warn the surgeon of problems. If the patient sees a bright light while closing his/her eyes will prevent the permanent lesioning of this site as it would cause peripheal vision problems. I understand even the thought of brain surgery elicits fear and anxiety in most people. I'm here to tell you my experience was good. I feel I would be doing a disservice to the list if I did not inform its many well educated members. Please, for your own benefit, find out if you are a good candidate. Dr. Roberts success rate is over 90%. It continues to climb as they have become more selective in the canadidates they choose. He also explained to me that they had their annual conference on the two procedures. They are astounded by the uniformity of problems that occur. He said he expects the results to continue as long as surgeons follow the protocol they adopt at the conference. Regards, Greg Leeman 37/6 [log in to unmask] -----Original Message----- From: Judith Richards <[log in to unmask]> To: Multiple recipients of list PARKINSN <[log in to unmask]> Date: Monday, January 19, 1998 1:32 PM Subject: Re: Jim Finn - a celebrity in our midst >At 10:44 am 19/01/98 -0500, Gregory E. Leeman wrote: >>I find it interesting most of the members on the list find pallidotomy to be >>risky. > >Hello Greg, > >What leads you to believe that most list members find pallidotomy to be risky? > >I know people who have benefited greatly from a pallidotomy or a >thalamotomy, and others who received very little benefit, if any. I also >know people who have had DBS, also with mixed results. > >While all brain surgery is risky, the difference is that DBS is reversible, >which is what Dr. Delong said. > >>>Dr. Mahlon DeLong of Emory University in Atlanta said the DBS, which has >>the same risks as any other delicate brain surgery, is wonderful because "it >>>works for all symptoms of Parkinson's Disease." Side effects, which are >>>permanent in pallidotomy patients, can be adjusted or eliminated in those >>>with DBS. > >>Pallidotomy along with thalamotomy are two accepted procedures. >>They are not experimental and therefore are paid by most insurance >>companies. > >I believe DBS is no longer considered experimental in the US. > >Judith Richards >[log in to unmask] >