Home Health NHS rolls out improved Parkinson’s treatment that attacks brain to control debilitating tremors

NHS rolls out improved Parkinson’s treatment that attacks brain to control debilitating tremors

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A radically improved Parkinson's treatment that attacks the brain to control its debilitating tremors has been rolled out on the NHS (file image)

A radically improved treatment for Parkinson’s that attacks 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 involuntary tremors and rigidity 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 this 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 offered since the 1980s using a small implant similar to a cardiac pacemaker) can combat some of the most debilitating symptoms.

Previously, devices were set to a standard power and frequency, but because Parkinson’s symptoms can vary throughout the day (tremors are often worse in the morning and when the patient’s medication has worn off), effectiveness may vary. decrease at times.

NHS patients will now be able to access the latest version of the device, which can monitor their brain signals and automatically adjust the level of electrical pulses delivered by the generator in their chest.

A radically improved Parkinson’s treatment that attacks the brain to control its debilitating tremors has been rolled out on the NHS (file image)

Parkinson's disease is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder after Alzheimer's.

Parkinson’s disease is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder after Alzheimer’s.

NHS patients will now be able to access the latest version of the device (file image)

NHS patients will now be able to access the latest version of the device (file image)

The first UK patients to receive the new technology, created by British medical manufacturer Medtronic, were those at North Bristol and Newcastle Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.

“For the first time, we can refine 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.

Because implantation of the device involves invasive surgery, it is currently offered to those who do not respond to other treatments for Parkinson’s, including muscle-strengthening exercises and medications, such as levodopa, that reduce tremors and involuntary movements.

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