New technology is helping patients with advanced Parkinson's disease have a better quality of life. Researchers from the University of Florida and 14-other medical centers reported results on Deep Brain Stimulation or DBS yesterday. UF's Center for Movement Disorders and Neurorestoration Administrative Director, Michael Okun says DBS is a big breakthrough for patients.
Your browser doesn’t support HTML5 audio
136 patients who have had Parkinson's disease for at least 5 years participated in the study. All patients were implanted with a lead, but only a randomized group received stimulation following surgery. A control group did not receive the stimulation until 3 months after. Every patient was followed for a year. Okun says researchers have applied deep brain stimulation to other disorders and hope to spread it even further.
Your browser doesn’t support HTML5 audio
Okun says the overall goal is to provide a better, more meaningful life for patients.
Your browser doesn’t support HTML5 audio
Okun adds researchers hope to improve deep brain stimulation through smart devices which could provide scheduled and responsive approaches.