Functional Neurosurgery
Diseases and Conditions
The field of functional neurosurgery is continually evolving as clinical trials advance and innovative technologies and therapies
are developed. At this time, the functional neurosurgeons at Jefferson Hospital for Neuroscience treat the following diseases
and conditions (where applicable, click each disease or condition to read more information from our central health library):
Chronic pain – The Functional Neurosurgery Center can often help patients address longstanding, debilitating pain. These problems may
stem from a variety of causes – including previous spinal surgery, Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD) or traumatic nerve injury,
and can sometimes be addressed through spinal cord stimulation.
Tremor – Tremor is an involuntary, rhythmic movement of a body part, most often affecting the hands and arms. Deep brain stimulation
can be effective for medically refractory tremor from various causes.
Epilepsy –Through epilepsy surgery – in which we apply electrodes around the brain to identify and correct disturbances – we can help
patients who suffer from this disorder characterized by recurrent, unprovoked seizures. Routinely, electrodes are implanted
on the vagus nerve in the neck and to a pacemaker to help treat epilepsy. Clinical trials are underway that may allow the
use of deep brain stimulation or cortical implantation of electrodes and pacemakers to treat epilepsy. Jefferson Comprehensive Epilepsy Center
Headache – Functional neurosurgery can sometimes help when headaches become debilitating. Treatment options include implantation of
electrodes on the occipital nerves. In addition, clinical trials are underway to determine if and how deep brain stimulation
may help resolve severe chronic headaches. Jefferson Headache Center
Parkinson’s disease and other movement disorders – Working in conjunction with Jefferson’s Movement Disorders Division , the Center for Functional Neurosurgery treats medically
refractory movement disorders, including Parkinson’s disease, dystonia and tremor.
Multiple sclerosis – The Functional Neurosurgery Center can help with implantation of a spinal catheter and pump to deliver lioresl (baclofen)
for individuals with disorder of the central nervous system. Jefferson Multiple Sclerosis Center
Spinal cord injuries – Jefferson Hospital for Neuroscience has been performing spinal cord stimulation for over 20 years. Today, the Center for
Functional Neurosurgery can install pumps into the spinal cords of patients suffering from spasticity. The pumps allow the
direct infusion of medications that are difficult to absorb via other means to treat spasticity and spinal cord injury pain.
Jefferson Spinal Cord Injury Center
Looking to the future, functional neurosurgery may become a viable treatment option for individuals with severe, treatment-resistant
depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), Tourette’s syndrome, chronic cluster headaches and minimal conscious state.
To schedule an appointment, call 1-800-JEFF-NOW or use our online appointment request form.
