Pallidotomy Surgery

Pallidotomy Surgery in Thane

Pallidotomy is a precise neurosurgical procedure that creates a small lesion in the globus pallidus to reduce symptoms like stiffness, slowness, and involuntary movements when medications no longer help. Performed by Dr. Naren Nayak, neurosurgeon in Thane, it targets abnormal brain signals that drive movement problems. Using advanced imaging and stereotactic guidance, the procedure is designed to be accurate and safe. This guide explains how pallidotomy works, who it helps, and what to expect if you’re considering it.

Wondered how neurosurgeons target specific brain areas safely? Let’s dive into the science and steps behind pallidotomy

Understand the Pallidotomy Surgery

Pallidotomy is a precise neurosurgical procedure that targets the globus pallidus internus (GPi) to help individuals with severe movement disorders, especially when symptoms are not fully managed by medication. The procedure works by creating a controlled lesion to normalize abnormal brain signals.

To Reduces symptoms such as stiffness, slowness, and involuntary movements in movement disorders.

A tiny electrical probe is used to create a small, targeted lesion in the GPi, helping reset disrupted neural circuitry.

It can be performed on one side (unilateral) or, in select cases, both sides (bilateral), though bilateral surgery carries higher risk.
Goal is to restore balance in the brain’s motor circuits to improve movement control and quality of life.

Want to know what improvements patients often see after pallidotomy? Let’s explore the main advantages.

Key Benefits of Pallidotomy

For suitable patients, pallidotomy can provide significant improvement in motor symptoms, particularly by reducing dyskinesias, those involuntary movements that often develop after long-term levodopa therapy for Parkinson’s disease.

Benefits include:

The most notable and lasting effects are usually seen in medication-induced involuntary movements. Many patients can reduce their medications post-surgery. Unlike Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS), pallidotomy is a one-time procedure with no implanted devices or battery replacements required, offering a durable solution without ongoing hardware maintenance.

Wondering if pallidotomy could be right for you? Let’s discuss who typically benefits most.

Who Can Benefit from Pallidotomy?

Pallidotomy may help people whose movement disorder symptoms aren’t fully controlled by medications. It can be especially useful for:

  • Parkinson’s patients with severe involuntary movements (dyskinesias) or medication-related ups and downs
  • People with dystonia or other movement problems that don’t improve with regular treatments
  • Those who cannot have or prefer not to use Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS), Thalamotomy
  • Patients with mostly one-sided symptoms, where a one-sided surgery works best

A careful evaluation by your doctor ensures the procedure is safe and likely to help improve your daily movement.

Curious about which conditions pallidotomy can address? Let’s break it down

Conditions Treated with Pallidotomy

Pallidotomy is used to help manage movement disorders, particularly when medications aren’t enough. Common conditions include:

Parkinson’s Disease:

To reduce stiffness, slowness, tremors, and involuntary movements (dyskinesias)

Dystonia:

To improve abnormal muscle contractions and postures

Other Movement Disorders:

When symptoms are severe and not responding to medication

Doctor will assess your condition to determine if pallidotomy is the right treatment for you.

How is this surgery actually performed? Let’s dive into the step-by-step process.

Pallidotomy Procedure

Precise Targeting:

Stereotactic imaging maps the exact area in the globus pallidus that requires treatment.

Guided Probe:

A probe is carefully guided to the target using real-time monitoring and precise coordinates.

Local Anesthesia:

Patients are usually awake under local anesthesia, allowing feedback during critical steps to ensure safety and effectiveness.

Creating the Lesion:

Radiofrequency energy is used to make a small, controlled lesion, interrupting abnormal signals causing movement problems.

Symptom Improvement:

Many patients notice changes in symptoms within hours or days, while full benefits may take a little longer to appear.

What should you know before deciding on pallidotomy? Let’s explore the risks and important considerations.

Risks and Considerations of Pallidotomy

Like any brain surgery, pallidotomy carries certain risks, which are discussed thoroughly before proceeding. Possible complications include:

  • Bleeding or stroke: Occurs in approximately 1–2% of cases
  • Speech difficulties: Usually temporary, though occasionally permanent
  • Visual field changes: More likely if both sides are treated
  • Weakness: On the side opposite the surgery
  • Cognitive changes: Rare, but possible

Before recommending pallidotomy, we carefully review your medical history, medications, and overall health. Patients with significant cognitive impairment or uncontrolled health issues may not be suitable candidates. Bilateral procedures carry higher risk, so we often recommend spacing treatments or considering alternative options if both sides require attention.

How do we ensure the safest, most effective outcome? Let’s explore our method.

Our Approach

The pre-op workup covers neurological exams, brain scans, and a careful look at how you respond to meds. We work closely with neurologists and movement disorder experts to make sure pallidotomy lines up with your long-term goals.

In surgery, we use advanced stereotactic techniques and neurophysiological monitoring to keep things as precise and safe as possible.

Afterwards, you’ll get ongoing care and support, including rehab and regular follow-ups to track progress and tweak any remaining treatments.

Looking for an expert you can trust? Let’s discuss why patients choose Dr. Nayak

Why Choose Dr. Naren Nayak for Pallidotomy?

Highly qualified:

MBBS, MS (General Surgery), and MCh (Neurosurgery) with strong expertise in functional neurosurgery.

Trusted professional:

Member of the Neurological Society of India and the Neuro Spinal Surgeons Association of India, ensuring updated knowledge and best practices.

Experienced in advanced treatments:

Skilled in pallidotomy and advanced options like Deep Brain Stimulation for movement disorders.

Patient-first approach:

Ensures each patient receives the most suitable treatment based on their condition.

Clear communication:

Emphasis on patient education to help you and your family understand all benefits and risks before making decisions.

Curious about what to expect before, during, and after surgery? Let’s discuss common questions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What possible benefits might one derive from the surgery of pallidotomy that is performed for the treatment of movement disorders?

The treatment of Parkinson’s disease by means of pallidotomy in which the patient is subjected to the process of eliminating signals going from the brain that are responsible for the patient’s abnormal body movements results in the patient experiencing less stiffness, slowness, and tremors, and improvement of the function on the side of the body opposite the surgery being sometimes more prominent.

What is the method of Dr. Naren Nayak that is used to check if the patient is suitable for the pallidotomy surgery?

The process of pallidotomy’s consideration or decision-making entails conducting an extensive examination, MRI, and assessment of levodopa response; thus, ensuring that it coexists with your symptoms and general condition.

Can you tell me the stages of recovery after a surgery of the pallidotomy?

The recovery period is usually from a few weeks to several months, consisting of first hospital observance, slow but steady improvement of symptoms and regular doctor visits for medication level re-evaluation.

What are the risks involved in the pallidotomy procedure?

Pallidotomy is classified as one of the least invasive brain surgeries technically, but still carries very rare bleeding and infection complications, besides which there is still a slight chance of experience problems with speech, swallowing, or sight.

Disclaimer: The information shared in this content is for educational purposes and not for promotional use.

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