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baywax
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Deep brain stimulation involves electrodes stimulating the middle of the brain with pulses generated by a battery pack surgically placed like a "pace maker" in the patient's chest.
The results for Parkinson's sufferers has been tremendous where 71 percent of patients are better off (to the point of no tremors for an average of 6.4 hours straight during the day) compared to the 31 percent effectiveness of drugs targeting the disease.
http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20090106/parkinsons_treatment_090106/20090106?hub=Health
The complications include how the electrical activity generated for the implanted electrodes can disrupt the heart in patients. This is proving beneficial, however, for people up to ages like 70 who may even be in an advanced stage of the condition!
Edit: This is an American achievement by the way!
Study performed by Frances M. Weaver, Ph.D., of Hines VA Hospital, Hines, Ill., and colleagues.
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/01/090106161510.htm
The results for Parkinson's sufferers has been tremendous where 71 percent of patients are better off (to the point of no tremors for an average of 6.4 hours straight during the day) compared to the 31 percent effectiveness of drugs targeting the disease.
Deep brain stimulation improves movement skills and quality of life in patients with advanced Parkinson's disease better than other medical treatments, but it also carries with it a higher risk for complications, a new study says.
Deep brain stimulation is a surgical procedure that involves the implantation of electrodes that send electrical currents to specific regions in the brain. This electrical stimulation can reduce involuntary movements and tremors, which are common Parkinson's symptoms.
http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20090106/parkinsons_treatment_090106/20090106?hub=Health
The complications include how the electrical activity generated for the implanted electrodes can disrupt the heart in patients. This is proving beneficial, however, for people up to ages like 70 who may even be in an advanced stage of the condition!
Edit: This is an American achievement by the way!
Study performed by Frances M. Weaver, Ph.D., of Hines VA Hospital, Hines, Ill., and colleagues.
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/01/090106161510.htm
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