Movement disorders are neurological conditions that affect the quality, speed, fluency, and ease of movement. Some of these conditions cause excessive or involuntary movement, slowed movement or the inability to control voluntary movement. Parkinson’s disease is the most common movement disorder.
Medical treatment provides significant relief for most people with movement disorders. However, for some, medical treatment fails to relieve symptoms of movement disorders. For this population, surgery is playing an increasingly prominent role in the management of movement disorders.
In the past, surgeons created destructive lesions in the brain to control the disabling symptoms of movement disorders. Today, Northwestern Memorial neurosurgeons now implant sophisticated deep brain stimulation devices to relieve symptoms such as: tremor, rigidity, slowness and dyskinesia.
Diseases/Conditions
Some of the movement disorders that may respond to surgery include:
Northwestern Memorial was the first center in the Chicagoland area to use frameless technology to place deep brain stimulating electrodes without the use of the traditional confining stereotactic frame. This allows the patient’s head to remain unrestrained during the operation and shortens the time of the procedure. Joshua M. Rosenow, MD, Director of Stereotactic and Functional Neurosurgery, was part of the team that refined this procedure, and he participated in some of the first fully-frameless deep brain stimulation procedures ever performed. His work has been presented internationally, and he is a frequent speaker at national meetings.
The Parkinson's Disease and Movement Disorders Center is recognized by the National Parkinson Foundation as one of its worldwide Centers of Excellence. Our program focuses on promoting health and providing education and support for patients, caregivers, family members, healthcare providers and the community.
Contact
Parkinson's Disease and Movement Disorders Center
675 North St. Clair Street, Suite 20-100
Chicago, IL 60611-2923
For general information, educational materials and support groups: (312) 503-4397
For neurosurgical evaluation for deep brain stimulation (DBS) surgery: (312) 695-8143
