Parkinson's Disease

Frequently Asked Questions

19. What is a pallidotomy?

Pallidotomy was once the most common surgery for Parkinson's disease. In this procedure, a surgeon selectively destroys a portion of the brain called the globus pallidus. Pallidotomy can improve symptoms of tremor, rigidity, and bradykinesia, possibly by interrupting the connections between the globus pallidus and the striatum or thalamus. Because this procedure causes permanent destruction of brain tissue, it has largely been replaced by deep brain stimulation for treatment of Parkinson's disease.