Brain implant helps reverse Parkinson’s
PIONEERING British surgeons plan to implant a tiny device into the brain to reverse symptoms of Parkinson’s disease.
In trials, 25 volunteers had deep brain stimulation devices implanted into their skulls.
The first patient to receive one has described its “amazing” lifechanging impact and experts say 14,000 Parkinson’s sufferers in Britain could benefit.
Tony Howells, who was diagnosed with the condition nine years ago, said: “Before the operation I would go for a walk and get 200 yards from the car then had to turn around and go back as I couldn’t walk.
“After the operation, 12 months later, I was able to walk for two-and-a-half miles and could have gone further.”
Traditional operations for Parkinson’s involve implanting a large battery into the chest with wires running under the
Tiny device could aid 14,000 sufferers with debilitating condition
skin to the top of the head. The new DBS system, the smallest ever created, involves a tiny battery for a device that is implanted into the skull.
Probes deliver electrical impulses to targeted areas deep within the brain that are critical in regulating movement.
The new op takes just three hours – about half the time it does with the larger battery.
Dr Alan Whone, a neurologist at Southmead Hospital in Bristol, said: “We are delighted with how this first case went and we are hopeful that if these findings hold up, we will have a significant technical advance to improve Parkinson’s care.”