Most Parkinson's patients manage their symptoms effectively with medications alone. But as symptoms advance, keeping them at bay becomes more challenging and many patients turn to DBS for relief.

DBS involves surgically implanting a tiny, pacemaker-like device in the patient's brain. Exact placement is critical so patients traditionally remain awake during the procedure to provide feedback to the neurosurgeon. For many patients, the idea of staying awake has kept them from exploring this treatment option. Until now.

Thanks to Cleveland Clinic's state-of-the-art interventional MRI suite, neurosurgeons can now operate with guidance and feedback from real-time MRI scans while patients sleep under general anesthesia.