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Hi, Ted - << At 17:14 1999/07/21 -0700, you wrote: >Are any of the surgical procedures for Parkinson's currently covered = >under Medicare? Do any of these surgeries specifically improve slowness = >of movement? > >Ted Menser (51/45/43) >> There are three types of stimulator (DBS) surgeries - thalamic stimulation, pallidal stimulation, and sub-thalamic nucleus stimulation (STN). Thalamic stim handles only tremor. Pallidal stimulation helps with tremor, dyskinesia, and dystonia. These two surgeries, I believe, are covered by Medicare. However, the newest surgery, STN, is still considered experimental and is not yet covered. It's supposed to help with bradykinesia as well as tremor and dyskinesia, I've heard. Dick had bilateral pallidal stimulation 3-1/2 years ago when it was brand new, and I'd heard it started being covered by Medicare this spring. (Not positive of this, but it was on a press release on the closed-circuit TV at KU Med Center). I'd guess that if that pattern continues, STN might be covered by Medicare in the next two or three years. As you know, meanwhile the trick is to try to get enough dopamine to help the PD symptoms while not setting off intolerable side effects. A very tricky balance, as any PWP can attest. Surgery has the benefit of controlling not only PD symptoms but their side effects. Margie Swindler cg for Dick, 54/17