A clinical trial to reverse the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease is underway in a hospital in Bristol and seems to be showing positive results.
The trial is using the first miniaturised Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) device to reduce the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease.
The initial results, from the first person this treatment was used for, have shown that the implant worked to reverse the symptoms by targeting abnormal brain activity.
One of the aims of this treatment is to simplify the traditional DBS procedure, by decreasing the time it takes as well as the cost.
Southmead Hospital is set to perform the procedure on 25 people before the trial ends.
What are the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease?
As Parkinson’s disease is caused by a decrease in nerve cells in an area of the brain, the symptoms usually worsen over time.
There are a range of symptoms that an individual with Parkinson’s may suffer from, and this is likely to change between cases.
According to the NHS, the three main symptoms of Parkinson’s disease are:
- Tremors and shaking when limbs are resting
- Movements being much slower than normal
- Stiff muscles which can result in muscle cramps
Due to the fact that there is currently no cure for Parkinson’s, the possibility that the use of a brain stimulation device could lessen the symptoms to the extent of reversing them comes as great news for those affected.
Whilst there are other treatments available, such as medication, surgery, and therapies (including physiotherapy), further advances in the treatment of Parkinson’s are needed to help improve quality of life.
