Functional, Stereotactic, and Epilepsy Surgery

Illustration of components of the deep brain simulator system (courtesy of Medtronic, Inc.)

Dr. Paul Penar

Functional Neurosurgery refers to the surgical treatment of neuological symptoms - pain, movement disorders (such as Parkinson's Disease), and epilepsy (chronic seizures). Stereotactic procedures are those that use imaging studies (MRI and CT scans) to define and reach discrete targets in the brain, usually through a small opening.These techniques can be used to biopsy abnormalities through a small hole, to lesion part of the brain, to surpress a movement disorder, or to implant an array of electrons. Stereotaxis is also important in radiosurgical treatment of lesions within the brain such as tumors and vascular malformations.

We have begun a program in collaboration with the Neuology Department involving deep brain stimulation for Parkinson's Disease and Essential Tremor symptoms, wherein an electrode is implanted in the brain that is driven by an electrical stimulator under the skin. The stimulation will help control symptoms such tremor and drug-treatment-related dyskinesia (writhing movements).

The Surgical Epilepsy Program is also a collaborative effort with the Neurology Department (Dr. Keith Nagle) wherein patients with chronic seizures undergo detailed investigations to localize the site of origin of the seizures, with consideration of surgical removal of the site for those that meet strict criteria. Some patients may also be candidates for a vagus nerve stimulator implant, a system that uses an electrode on a nerve in the neck to control or lessen seizures from the brain.

We also offer spinal cord stimulators for chronic pain, and baclofen pumps for spacticity symptoms.

For more information, contact Dr. Paul Penar at (802) 847-4590.

Dr. Penar, Dr. Roland, and a resident look at a stereotactic image on a computer screen.

Targeting a tumor within the brain using radiosurgery.