Brain stimulation controls Parkinson’s symptoms
Published: March 5, 2006
Reyes Hernandez has the spring back in his step, but he hadn’t had it in years.
At just 47, he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease.
“I said, ‘God, This can’t be happening to me right now,’” Hernandez said. “I just, I’m too young. Too young and it’s an old man’s disease.”
Medications helped early on, but soon he was taking large doses that caused debilitating side effects.
So doctors suggested a radical treatment called frameless deep brain stimulation to treat the Parkinson’s.
“Patients that were more imprisoned by their medications are now on a lot less medication and not even dependent on the medication to perform basic activities,” said Neurologist Robert Izor.
Surgeons attach electrodes to a pacemaker device implanted under the collarbone, which sends mild, electrical pulses to targeted areas of the brain.
The stimulation blocks signals that cause Parkinson’s symptoms.
Reyes’ procedure was different because of this new, lightweight frameless system that keeps his head still during surgery.
“This is plastic, it’s very light. And this probably weighs about 10, 20 pounds, it’s quite heavy,” said Neurologist Anant Patal.
Doctors said patients are much more comfortable with this frameless device. Plus, it helps surgeons accurately target specific areas of the brain.
For Reyes, the new surgery means a life no longer consumed with uncontrollable tremors and shaking.
Doctors stress that frameless deep brain stimulation isn’t a cure for Parkinson’s disease, but it does restore a significant amount of movement for patients.
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