The Restorative Neurosciences Program at Froedtert & The Medical College of Wisconsin relies on a multidisciplinary, collaborative approach to identify symptoms and determine the proper course of action. Through innovative neuro-imaging technology and surgical therapies, our team of skilled healthcare professionals helps individuals with disabling neurological disorders live normal and fulfilling lives.
Restorative Surgery
Restorative surgery is a subspecialty of neurosurgery that seeks to repair neurological function. This emerging field of medicine currently focuses on treating movement disorders, such as Parkinson’s disease, essential tremor and dystonia. It is also used to treat various pain disorders and chronic pain associated with conditions such as Complex Regional Pain Syndrome, failed back syndrome and cancer. Through the application of neurosurgical procedures, patients with disabling pain and movement disorders are better able to manage their symptoms and achieve more normal lives.
Deep Brain Stimulation
Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is a surgical option for patients with Parkinson’s disease, essential tremor, dystonia, and tremor due to multiple sclerosis. Any patient with a movement disorder who is not responding adequately to medication may be considered. The treatment uses a surgically implanted medical device, similar to cardiac pacemakers, to deliver electrical stimulation to precisely targeted areas in the brain. Continuous stimulation of these areas blocks the signals that cause disabling motor symptoms. As a result, many patients achieve greater control over their body movements. The electrical stimulation can be non-invasively adjusted to meet each patient’s needs.
Neuro-imaging Technology
The success of restorative and deep brain stimulation surgery is directly related to finding the specific area in the body that is generating disabling symptoms. Froedtert & The Medical College of Wisconsin are leaders in the development of innovative uses of neuro-imaging technology to identify the source of symptoms and target areas requiring stimulation.
Prior to DBS, highly sophisticated imaging and recording equipment are used to map both the physical structure and the functioning of the brain. These imaging techniques may include magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT) scanning. The information these techniques provide aid the physicians (or neurologists and neurosurgeons) in localizing target areas for stimulation. Additionally, functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) may be used to determine where vital areas, such as movement or speech and language, are located.
Rehabilitation Program
To maximize patient recovery, Froedtert & The Medical College of Wisconsin combine restorative surgery with a comprehensive rehabilitation program. Our restorative surgery rehabilitation program is highly integrated and efficient. Physical medicine, neurology and neurosurgery, along with ancillary services, work together as an interdisciplinary team to help patients reduce their medications, be more functional and get back to independent daily activities.
Before and after surgery, this individually tailored program helps patients improve strength, coordination and functional capabilities. After patients recover from surgery, implanted devices are adjusted to optimally control symptoms. Additionally, patients’ medication requirements are also evaluated. Rehabilitation is often continued to further enhance improvement and may include nursing expertise and physical, occupational and speech therapy services.