Movement Disorders

We know more about Parkinson's than about any other disease of the central nervous system. But although we know where and what goes wrong, we don't know why. Until we can answer "why", all therapies for Parkinson's will be lacking. Clearly drugs leave a lot to be desired: they work unpredictably and are associated with disabling dyskinesias (abnormal involuntary movement). Surgery is based on serendipitous as often as scientific discovery. Combined medical and surgical therapy may turn out to be the best but little is yet known about the relative combination of each that is best for any inidvidual patient.

The Department of Neurological Surgery at the University of Southern California has an active interest and commitment in improving the technical and patient aspects of surgery for Parkinson's Disease and other Movement Disorders. Parkinson's patients are some of the most determined, sophisticated, demanding people encountered in or out of the hospital.

Physicians are servants to their patients, we should provide the best quality service accessible to as many patients as possible. Neurosurgeons need to work with their patients and neurologist colleagues as equal partners in beating Parkinson's and other Movement Disorders.

Patients and physicians interested in finding out more about Movement Disorders Surgery (especially Pallicotomy and Thalamotomy) should contact the Neurosurgery Clinical Office at (323) 442-5720.