All articles tagged with #deep brain stimulation
South Florida hospitals are deploying advanced therapies—robot-assisted deep brain stimulation, MRI-guided high‑intensity focused ultrasound, and ongoing stem-cell research—to reduce tremors and improve movement for Parkinson's patients, with quick recoveries and a broader push toward high-tech care at institutions like Memorial Regional Hospital, Baptist Health, and the University of Miami.
Born with no heartbeat for 22 minutes and diagnosed with ataxic cerebral palsy, 18-year-old Dylan Law has fought tremors and mobility challenges; after a 2022 deep brain stimulation procedure, he suffered a stroke that temporarily impaired speech and walking, but with therapy and support he regained both and now pursues his goal of becoming a youth pastor, earning praise as a comeback kid.
About 30% of people with depression do not respond to standard treatments. Researchers are testing deep brain stimulation (DBS) as a potential option, delivering electrical pulses via implanted electrodes to the brain’s white matter to gradually help escape a depressive state. DBS for depression is not FDA-approved and is available only in clinical trials, including UT Southwestern and the TRANSCEND study. Eligibility typically includes major depressive disorder with multiple failed treatments. If results are positive, FDA approval could come within several years, expanding options beyond ECT, TMS, and ketamine.
Researchers found a consistent high-frequency signal in the right anteromedial orbitofrontal cortex that correlates with OCD compulsions; brief deep-brain stimulation of a deep-brain target rapidly reduced symptoms in three treatment-resistant patients, supporting the development of responsive DBS that activates only when OCD-related brain activity is detected.
Researchers have identified specific brain wave patterns in the basal ganglia that correlate with Parkinson's symptoms, potentially enabling more precise and dynamic deep brain stimulation therapies to improve motor control.
A 65-year-old woman with Parkinson's in England played her clarinet during brain surgery under local anesthesia, demonstrating improved motor control after deep-brain stimulation, and expressed delight with her progress.
A Parkinson's patient played clarinet during brain surgery to test the effectiveness of Deep Brain Stimulation, which immediately improved her hand movements and her ability to play, demonstrating real-time benefits of the treatment.
A 65-year-old woman with Parkinson's in England experienced immediate symptom relief during brain surgery when she played the clarinet, demonstrating the effectiveness of deep brain stimulation in alleviating movement symptoms associated with the disease.
Researchers have developed a novel ultrasound helmet that can non-invasively target and modulate deep-brain structures with high precision, potentially transforming the study and treatment of neurological and psychiatric conditions like Parkinson's disease and depression.
Experimental deep brain stimulation shows promise in turning off chronic pain signals, offering hope for patients like Edward Mowery who suffer from conditions like CRPS, potentially transforming pain treatment without opioids.
Researchers from UCL and Oxford have developed a non-invasive ultrasound helmet capable of precisely stimulating deep brain regions, such as the thalamus, without surgery, opening new avenues for neuroscience research and treatment of disorders like Parkinson's disease. The device uses 256 elements to focus ultrasound beams, demonstrated to modulate neural activity in human volunteers, with potential for clinical applications and personalized therapies.
Researchers from the University of Amsterdam identified specific neural biomarkers associated with OCD by analyzing brain activity patterns during compulsive behaviors in patients with implanted electrodes, paving the way for more targeted treatments like deep brain stimulation.
A Danish study found that mild cognitive impairment before deep brain stimulation (DBS) in Parkinson's patients does not increase the risk of developing dementia, with disease duration and depressive symptoms being more significant factors; the study emphasizes the need for further research due to its small sample size.
Morten Harket, the lead singer of a-ha, announced he has Parkinson's disease, which he manages with medication and deep brain stimulation surgery. Despite his diagnosis, he remains active in music, though his voice may be affected. The announcement coincides with the 40th anniversary of a-ha's debut album.
Mollie Lombardi shares her experience of being diagnosed with early-onset Parkinson's disease at 36 and how it has impacted her marriage, with her husband taking on the role of caregiver. She discusses the challenges and adjustments they have made, emphasizing the importance of mutual care and support. Lombardi highlights the significance of her husband's role and the need for caregivers to also receive care. Despite the difficulties, she expresses gratitude for her husband's support and the improvements in her condition following deep brain stimulation surgery.