NGMC to offer seminars on controlling symptoms of Parkinson's disease

GAINESVILLE - There's an advanced surgical procedure available at Northeast Georgia Medical Center (NGMC), called Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS), which can control the symptoms of Parkinson's disease and essential tremor so you can regain control of your body.<br /> <br /> "Deep Brain Stimulation can really change a patient's life, because we see benefits immediately," says John Gorecki, MD, a neurosurgeon with Northeast Georgia Physicians Group (NGPG) Neurosurgery.<br /> <br /> DBS involves implanting a thin wire, called a lead, into the brain. An electrical current is sent through the wire until neurosurgeons find the frequency that best neutralizes the patient's symptoms and controls the tremor. The patient stays in the hospital overnight and then comes back two weeks later to have a controller placed for the stimulator, which works like a pacemaker for the brain. In some cases, the procedure may allow for the reduction of medications, Dr. Gorecki adds.<br /> <br /> The hospital will offer free educational seminars on DBS and other treatment options for Parkinson's disease and essential tremor. There are two chances to attend: Wednesday, November 12, at the Spout Springs Library in Flowery Branch; and Tuesday, November 18, at NGMC's Walters Auditorium in Gainesville. Both seminars will be held from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m., with registration and an "easy-to-eat" dinner beginning at 5:30. <br /> <br /> Speakers include Dr. Gorecki and neurologists Shaena Blevins, MD, with Northeast Georgia Physicians Group Neurology and Frank McDonald, MD, with The Longstreet Clinic, Department of Neurology. <br /> <br /> Visit nghs.com/dbs-seminar or call 770-219-3840 to register.