Functional Neurosurgery

The functional neurosurgery program at Harper University Hospital and Wayne State University focuses on the management of movement disorders and other chronic neurological diseases including:

• Parkinson’s disease
• Dystonia
• Tremors
• Spasticity
• Tourette syndrome
• Depression
• Obsessive compulsive disorders

Advanced Therapies

Using advanced, image-guided surgical procedures and innovative technology, the functional neurosurgery experts at Harper are often able to provide effective symptom relief to patients when medication and other treatments fail. The primary techniques are:

Deep Brain Stimulation

Neurosurgeons at Harper University Hospital use deep brain stimulation for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease, dystonia and tremors as well as Tourette syndrome, obsessive compulsive disorders and chronic depression. Often called a “pacemaker for the brain,” the technique utilizes an implantable electro-stimulator device connected to a tiny electrode placed in a precise area of the brain. The device provides electrical impulses to a targeted motor center of the brain — correcting the manifestations of disease. A minimally invasive procedure, deep brain stimulation is completely reversible and programmable. The result after surgery is often quite dramatic with almost immediate and nearly complete stoppage of the tremor and restoration of patient mobility and quality of life.

Intrathecal Drug Delivery

Intrathecal Baclofen Therapy uses a programmable pump placed just under the skin of the abdomen connected to a small, flexible catheter that delivers an intrathecal baclofen injection directly into the area where fluid flows around the spinal cord — the intrathecal space. This therapy may relieve spasticity with only small amounts of medication. The drug is delivered where it is needed and does not circulate throughout the body in the blood. This may help minimize potential side effects.