New study could 'offer hope' to Parkinson's sufferers

Healthcare News
15/01/2009
People suffering from Parkinson's disease may be able to take comfort in the newest test results posted by a joint venture in America.

People suffering from Parkinson's disease may be able to take comfort in the newest test results posted by a joint venture in America.

The Department of Veterans Affairs and National Institutes of Health worked together on a six-year project which utilises deep-brain stimulation (DBS) to attempt to improve the quality of life of those suffering from the condition.

Patients who received DBS gained an average of 4.6 hours a day of good motor control and few involuntary movements when compared to those on medical therapy alone.

Commenting on the research outcome, Omaha Medical Centre undersecretary for health Dr Michael Kussman said: "The results of the study should not be over or understated."

"Still, there are many good candidates for DBS among patients with Parkinson's disease whom we treat."

According to a report by Time Magazine, DBS was first developed in 1987 in France, arising out of the technology used for lesioning.

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