Deep Brain Stimulation News and Research

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Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is a surgical procedure used to treat a variety of disabling neurological symptoms—most commonly the debilitating symptoms of Parkinson’s disease (PD), such as tremor, rigidity, stiffness, slowed movement, and walking problems. The procedure is also used to treat essential tremor, a common neurological movement disorder. At present, the procedure is used only for patients whose symptoms cannot be adequately controlled with medications.

Neuroscientists move closer to developing tools for deciphering brain function

A team of University of Missouri neuroscientists are inching closer to developing the tools needed to decipher the brain.

21 Mar 2018

Researchers use upconversion nanoparticles to understand brain functions

Scientists from the National University of Singapore have worked with an international research team to jointly develop a novel approach for deep brain stimulation.

14 Feb 2018

New study to test safety, efficacy of MRI-guided focused ultrasound to treat Parkinson's disease

University of Maryland Medicine is leading a phase 3 study to test the safety and efficacy of using MRI-guided focused ultrasound on the brain in order to treat Parkinson's disease.

13 Feb 2018

The London Clinic exhibits innovative technology to treat Parkinson’s disease at Arab Health

A pioneering technology that allows patients to control their Parkinson’s disease symptoms using an iPod will be showcased at Arab Health by a renowned UK hospital.

16 Jan 2018

Experimental device could help ease tinnitus symptoms by targeting unruly nerve activity in the brain

Millions of Americans hear ringing in their ears -- a condition called tinnitus -- but a new study shows an experimental device could help quiet the phantom sounds by targeting unruly nerve activity in the brain.

5 Jan 2018

Brain activity patterns linked to clinical outcomes achieved through DBS in dystonia patients

Dystonia affects more than 500,000 people across Europe. Globally, it is the third most common movement disorder after Parkinson's disease and essential tremor.

22 Dec 2017

Deep brain stimulation may improve survival for Parkinson's patients

A treatment called deep brain stimulation (DBS) could extend the life of people with Parkinson's disease. Researchers at the Edward Hines, Jr. VA Hospital in Illinois found that patients who received stimulation via an implanted device had a modest survival advantage compared with those treated with medication only.

21 Dec 2017

Study investigates how brain lesions can contribute to criminal behavior

New research published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences indicates that lesions to brain areas in individuals exhibiting criminal behavior all fall within a particular brain network involved in moral decision-making.

18 Dec 2017

Deep brain stimulation at low frequencies improves cognitive performance of PD patients

A multidisciplinary neuroscience study using rare, intraoperative brain recordings suggests that low frequency stimulation of a deep brain region may be able to improve cognitive function in patients with Parkinson's disease.

28 Nov 2017

OHSU study shows better clinical outcomes for deep brain stimulation while patients are asleep

Deep brain stimulation is a long-established surgical procedure that eases the effects of Parkinson's disease and essential tremor through pulses from tiny electrodes implanted in the brain. Currently, most surgeons around the world conduct this surgery while the patient is awake.

3 Nov 2017

Cleveland Clinic researchers win grants to study ethical issues involving brain surgery

The NIH BRAIN Initiative has awarded two Cleveland Clinic researchers grants to study ethical issues involving brain surgery, as part of the first neuroethics grants awarded by the initiative.

31 Oct 2017

Renishaw to exhibit medical robots at SBNS Autumn Meeting

Global engineering and scientific technologies company, Renishaw will attend the Society of British Neurological Surgeons Autumn Meeting. The event will take place at The Titanic Hotel, Liverpool, from 20th – 22nd September 2017.

14 Sep 2017

Researchers perform first-ever clinical trial involving genetic screening for Parkinson’s disease

In the first ever clinical investigation involving genetic screening for Parkinson's disease, researchers are testing whether the presence of a specific genetic mutation identifies which patients are the best candidates for deep brain stimulation surgery, and whether neurologists should perform that procedure differently based on that genetic information.

1 Sep 2017

Study finds transcranial direct-current stimulation to be less effective than anti-depressants

A new study questions the efficacy of treatments for depression based on stimulating brain areas with low-intensity electric current. The technique, known as transcranial direct-current stimulation (tDCS), was considered a promising alternative to treatment with antidepressant drugs.

31 Aug 2017

Bionic vision restoration: could future technologies restore sight?

The brain is very plastic, which means that the brain is able to adapt to new signals. In the case of bionic vision restoration, the photoreceptors have died, the brain is not receiving anything biologically, and you are going to then send something which is artificial, prosthetic, and has been created outside the body.

21 Aug 2017

MR-guided focused ultrasound continues to gain momentum in treating essential tremor patients

INSIGHTEC announced today that worldwide adoption of MR-guided focused ultrasound continues to gain momentum as Exablate Neuro patient treatment numbers surpass the 1000 mark.

18 Aug 2017

Scientists use magnetic nanoparticles to trigger activity deep inside the brain

Scientists have used magnetism to activate tiny groups of cells in the brain, inducing bodily movements that include running, rotating and losing control of the extremities -- an achievement that could lead to advances in studying and treating neurological disease.

17 Aug 2017

Smartphone-based biofeedback rehabilitation system aims to improve balance in Parkinson's patients

University of Houston researchers in the Department of Health and Human Performance are helping patients with Parkinson's disease regain stable balance and confidence in performing daily activities in their own homes.

31 Jul 2017

Study shows that tDCS and physical therapy improve walking ability in patients with Parkinson's disease

Noninvasive brain stimulation and physical therapy--alone or in combination--improve some measures of walking ability in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD), concludes a clinical trial in the American Journal of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, the official journal of the Association of Academic Physiatrists.

27 Jun 2017

Study: DBS shows promise for treating patients with post-stroke pain syndrome

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) of the ventral striatum/anterior limb of the internal capsule is safe and feasible in addressing the affective component of pain in patients with post-stroke pain syndrome.

20 Jun 2017