Hi,

Just reading the thread on DBS and was troubled to read that this treatment may in fact "speed up progression"? While I can't find any research to substantiate this; there is research to support that it definitely does not
slow progression-it seems mainly to be a more invasive means of just controlling symptoms, more palliative treatment.

I did stumble upon this gem...

http://www.parkinsons.va.gov/Consort...ns/Revilla.pdf

It really clears up a lot of misconceptions about levodopa use and DBS. I understand that we all have varying degrees of "success" with the drug. I don't mean to make light of it- I just can't imagine going to brain surgery early on. It seems that if levodopa is prescribed correctly, it may have neuroprotective properties? Research, as usual, is conflicting in the results.

I have heard that there is a levodopa patch in the works.

http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/576917

Has anyone heard of it? We can only hope it has advanced beyond the Neupro debacle and that it doesn't take 15 years to see it slapped on our arms!

Laura

DBS usually brings on the next set of symptoms that would have appeared anyway. In my case it was tremor, which was controlled by the DBS. i was stable from 2001 til 2008 when my balance began to be affected. I put this down to the natural progression of the disease.
I could reprogram, but its not that big of a pain in the *** (literally!) AT some point I willl have to go back on meds instead of the "as needed" once or twice a month for break-through termor. I will put off reprogramming as long as possible. SUch is life!!

Charlie

Charlie - re as needed drug for break-through tremor - What are you using in this situation??
thanks ,,, ken

Ken;

I take a 25/100 and it stops tremor within 5 min.

Charlie