Surgical Management of Synucleinopathies

Abstract

Synucleinopathies represent a diverse set of pathologies with significant morbidity and mortality. In this review, we highlight the surgical management of three synucleinopathies: Parkinson’s disease (PD), dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB), and multiple system atrophy (MSA). After examining underlying molecular mechanisms and the medical management of these diseases, we explore the role of deep brain stimulation (DBS) in the treatment of synuclein pathophysiology. Further, we examine the utility of focused ultrasound (FUS) in the treatment of synucleinopathies such as PD, including its role in blood–brain barrier (BBB) opening for the delivery of novel drug therapeutics and gene therapy vectors. We also discuss other recent advances in the surgical management of MSA and DLB. Together, we give a diverse overview of current techniques in the neurosurgical management of these pathologies.