Dr. Tracy Tholanikunnel, MD is a neurologist in Gainesville, FL specializing in neurology (brain & spinal cord disease). She graduated from Medical University of South Carolina College of Medicine in 2016 and has 9 years of experience. Dr. Tracy Tholanikunnel, MD is affiliated with UF Health and FLORIDA CLINICAL PRACTICE ASSOCIATION INC.
3009 SW Williston Road
Gainesville, FL 32608
Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS)
Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is a procedure performed to help treat neurological conditions such as Parkinson's disease and epilepsy. Electrode leads are surgically implanted in the brain and connected to a device, called a neurostimulator (deep brain stimulator), that is placed underneath the skin (subcutaneously). The deep brain stimulator can send electrical signals through the electrodes to the brain to restore normal rhythms, or it can block electrical signals in specific areas of the brain to restore functioning. Although not a cure, DBS can treat symptoms of movement disorders such as pain and tremor when medication fails to work.
DBS surgery may be completed in one operating session, but it is more commonly performed in two parts. In the first stage of the procedure, the surgeon will map targets in the brain using CT or MRI imaging to determine where to place the electrodes. Then, by drilling holes into the skull, the surgeon will place the electrodes into specific areas in the brain. The holes will be closed, and patients will require 1-2 days to recover in the hospital. After about two weeks, patients will undergo another surgery to have the deep brain stimulator implanted. The stimulator is usually placed under the skin around the collarbone, chest, or abdomen, and it will be connected to the DBS electrodes through a subcutaneous wire. No component of the DBS system will be visible from outside. Following stimulator implantation, patients may need to recover in the hospital for 1-2 days.
Within 2-4 weeks of the operation, doctors will program the stimulator using a wireless device. Patients will work with their doctor to determine the most effective settings for the stimulator during follow-up visits. Patients will be given a handheld device so that they can turn the stimulator on or off and adjust its settings themselves. The stimulator may have a rechargeable battery, in which case patients will be given a charging unit. Stimulator batteries generally need to be replaced in 3-5 years.
Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Tracy Tholanikunnel, MD for Medicare patients.
The highest averages for the top procedures that Dr. Tracy Tholanikunnel, MD treated as a neurologist in Gainesville, FL were minimally invasive procedures and injections.
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Dr. Tracy Tholanikunnel, MD graduated from Medical University of South Carolina College of Medicine in 2016. She completed residency at Medical College of Wisconsin Affiliated Hospitals. She is certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology and has a state license in Florida.
Medical School: Medical University of South Carolina College of Medicine (2016)
Residency: Medical College of Wisconsin Affiliated Hospitals (2020)
Board Certification: American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology
Licensed In: Florida
Dr. Tracy Tholanikunnel, MD is associated with these hospitals and organizations:
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Dr. Tracy Tholanikunnel is a neurology (brain & spinal cord disease) specialist. Dr. Tholanikunnel has a special interest in tremors, dystonia, and parkinson's disease. She graduated from Medical University of South Carolina College of Medicine and then she performed her residency at a hospital affiliated with Medical College of Wisconsin. She is affiliated with UF Health. Her practice in Gainesville, FL is open to new patients as reported by Doctor.com.
