Despite tremendous advances in drugs and techniques to manage the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, a progressive neurodegenerative illness that affects about one percent of men and women over the age of 50, not everyone is able to benefit from the improvements. Parkinson’s disease is a highly individualized condition that attacks everyone differently. With the promise of stem cell therapy on the horizon, and the general effectiveness of existing drug treatments including the commonly administered levodopa, most Parkinson’s sufferers are able to cope with their disease. There are, however, cases of rapidly progressing or unusually severe Parkinson’s that necessitate surgery as a treatment option. Surgery for Parkinson’s disease is brain surgery, which by its very nature is extremely risky, with the very real potential for permanent brain damage. If, however, all other avenues … Read entire article »