Parkinson's Surgery in Barcelona for International Patients
When medication no longer controls tremor or motor fluctuations effectively, surgery can restore quality of life. We offer deep brain stimulation (DBS) and focused ultrasound (HIFU) without incisions, with a prior remote assessment for patients travelling from Latin America.
Many patients with advanced Parkinson's find that access to functional surgery in their home country is limited, or that focused ultrasound is not available locally. In Barcelona they can access both major surgical options, assessed by the same functional neurosurgery team.
When is surgery considered for Parkinson's?
Surgery does not replace medication; rather, it is considered when pharmacological treatment no longer provides good control: tremor that does not respond, motor fluctuations, freezing episodes or medication-induced involuntary movements. In those cases, modulating the brain circuits involved can significantly improve daily independence.
Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS)
DBS involves implanting very fine electrodes at specific brain targets, connected to a pulse generator. The stimulation modulates abnormal activity and is adjustable and reversible, allowing treatment to be adapted as the disease progresses. It is an established option for Parkinson's with fluctuations and for other movement disorders.
Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) without incisions
HIFU treats tremor using focused ultrasound waves guided by MRI, without incisions, without opening the skull and without implanting any device. For selected patients with predominant tremor, it offers rapid recovery and no surgical scar, which is particularly attractive for those travelling from abroad.
Why this matters for an international patient
- Access to two complementary techniques assessed by the same team, to choose the most appropriate for your case.
- Remote candidacy assessment using your reports before you decide whether to travel.
- For HIFU, rapid recovery without prolonged admission, which simplifies the logistics of the return journey.
- DBS programming and follow-up coordinated with your local neurologist after you return home.
You can find detailed clinical information on our pages about Parkinson's surgery, deep brain stimulation (DBS) and focused ultrasound HIFU.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between DBS and HIFU for Parkinson's?
Deep brain stimulation (DBS) implants fine electrodes that modulate brain activity and are adjustable and reversible. Focused ultrasound (HIFU) treats tremor without incisions or implants, using ultrasound waves guided by MRI. The choice depends on the type of symptoms, the patient's age and individual characteristics.
Can I find out whether I am a candidate without travelling to Spain?
Yes. With your neurology reports, your current medication and your imaging studies we can carry out an initial remote assessment of whether you are a candidate for DBS or HIFU before you plan any trip.
Does HIFU leave a scar?
No. High-intensity focused ultrasound treats the target area from outside the skull, without incisions, without opening the skull and without implanting any device, so it leaves no surgical scar.
Are you a candidate for Parkinson's surgery? We assess your case remotely
Send us your neurology reports and your current medication. We will tell you whether DBS or HIFU may help you, without you having to travel for the first step.