A radically upgraded Parkinson’s treatment which zaps the brain to control its debilitating tremors has been rolled out on the NHS.
Known as adaptive deep brain stimulation, the implant constantly monitors and responds to brain activity to reduce the involuntary shaking and stiffness associated with the disorder.
More than 150,000 people in the UK live with Parkinson’s disease, caused by a loss of nerve cells in the brain. Older men and those with a family history of the condition are more likely to develop it, but head trauma and exposure to pollution and pesticides are also thought to increase the risk.
While Parkinson’s is incurable, stimulating the brain with electrical impulses – a treatment which has been offered since the 1980s via a small implant similar to a heart pacemaker – can combat some of the more debilitating symptoms.
Previously the devices were set to a standard strength and frequency, but because Parkinson’s symptoms can vary throughout the day – with tremors often worse in the morning and when a patient’s medication has worn off – it meant the effectiveness can fall at times.
Now NHS patients will be able to access the latest form of the device, which can monitor their brain signals and automatically adjust the level of electrical impulses put out by the generator in their chest.
A radically upgraded Parkinson’s treatment which zaps the brain to control its debilitating tremors has been rolled out on the NHS (stock image)
Parkinson’s disease is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder after Alzheimer’s
Now NHS patients will be able to access the latest form of the device (stock image)
The first UK patients to receive the new tech, created by British medical manufacturer Medtronic, were at North Bristol and Newcastle Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.
‘For the first time, we’re able to fine tune the technology to give patients a better quality of life,’ said Dr Mohammed Hussain, consultant neurosurgeon at the Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle.
Experts say the new technology – which is expected to be offered to 300 people each year – will improve their lives and mean less frequent visits to hospital.
As implanting the device involves invasive surgery, it is currently offered to those who fail to respond to other treatments for Parkinson’s, including muscle-strengthening exercises as well as medications, such as levodopa, which reduce tremors and involuntary movement.
