Parkinson’s Disease

Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurological condition caused by the loss of dopamine-producing cells in the brain. It’s a diagnosis that carries real emotional weight for both patients and their families, and our goal here is to talk you through each stage of care.

While there is currently no cure for Parkinson’s disease, treatment can effectively manage symptoms and help maintain independence and quality of life. Early in the disease, most patients benefit from medications that improve dopamine signaling, along with physical, occupational, and speech therapy to preserve mobility, communication, and daily function. As symptoms progress or become less responsive to medication, advanced treatments such as deep brain stimulation (DBS) may be recommended as part of a comprehensive Parkinson’s disease treatment plan tailored to each patient’s needs.

Common symptoms include resting tremor (e.g., shaking in the hands, arms, or legs at rest), muscle rigidity, slowed movement (also known as bradykinesia), and difficulty with balance or walking. Non-motor symptoms such as sleep disruption, cognitive changes, or trouble swallowing/speaking can also indicate progression and the need for specialist examination. If symptoms are interfering with daily life, or you’re wondering whether your movement disorder treatment should include surgical options, it’s time to seek a specialist evaluation. Early consultation at Goodman Campbell helps ensure you don’t miss the window for advanced treatments like DBS surgery.

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is a surgical procedure that uses precisely placed electrodes in areas of the brain that control movement. These electrodes connect to a small implanted device (similar to a pacemaker) near the collarbone that delivers controlled electrical pulses to help normalize the abnormal brain activity responsible for tremor, stiffness, and slowed movement. Goodman Campbell’s functional neurosurgeon in Indianapolis treats patients with Parkinson’s disease using advanced therapies such as deep brain stimulation (DBS), which is performed under general anesthesia. Advances in computer-guided imaging and targeting have significantly improved both precision and outcomes compared to earlier techniques, which required patients to be awake during the procedure. DBS has been used safely for more than 30 years and is both adjustable and reversible, allowing us to fine-tune treatment as your needs change.

DBS is typically recommended for individuals who have lived with Parkinson’s disease for four or more years, have seen benefit from dopamine-based therapies, and are now dealing with motor symptoms that are becoming difficult to manage. Strong candidates are generally in good overall health and have not experienced significant cognitive decline or severe balance issues. Determining eligibility involves a comprehensive presurgical assessment by a multidisciplinary team — including a neurologist and a functional neurosurgeon — using movement evaluations, brain imaging, and neuropsychological testing. Because DBS is not appropriate for everyone, our focus is on identifying the treatment path that will most meaningfully improve each patient’s quality of life.

The process begins with a detailed evaluation completed weeks before surgery, including a specialized MRI, movement assessments, and medical clearance to confirm candidacy and guide surgical planning. During lead placement, electrodes are implanted in the brain at the hospital, typically followed within weeks by a separate outpatient procedure to place the neurostimulator under the skin of the chest. After activation, the device is carefully programmed over multiple follow-up visits to achieve the best balance between symptom relief and side effects, a process that often spans several months. Over the long term, DBS settings can be adjusted as symptoms or goals evolve, giving patients ongoing access to a care team experienced in long-term outcomes.

Neurologists specialize in diagnosing and managing Parkinson’s disease, while functional neurosurgeons bring a distinct level of training focused on surgically modifying or restoring how the nervous system functions. When surgery enters the conversation, the experience and expertise of the surgical team directly impact outcomes. When considering surgical care, the expertise of the neurosurgical team is just as important as the procedure itself.

Deep brain stimulation is FDA-approved and covered by most major insurance plans, although coverage details vary. To discuss your situation, we encourage you to request an appointment with Goodman Campbell functional neurosurgeon Mark Hoeprich, MD, who sees patients at Ascension St. Vincent – Indianapolis Functional Neurosurgery. To request an appointment with Dr. Hoeprich, call 317-338-9660.