PARKINSON'S DISEASE NEWS

12th November 2010 - New research

DBS REDUCES PARKINSON'S DISEASE DRUG USE

Ideggyógyászati szemle [2010] 63 (9-10) : 314-319 (Fehér G, Balás I, Komoly S, Dóczi T, Janszky J, Aschermann Z, Balázs E, Nagy F, Kovács N.Pécsi) Complete abstract

Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) has been shown to greatly reduce the need for Parkinson's Disease drugs. DBS involves the use of electrodes that are surgically implanted into the brain and connected to a small electrical device called a pulse generator that can be externally programmed. DBS is intended to enable the reduction and need for L-dopa and related drugs. For more information go to Deep brain stimulation. All patients assessed in this study reduced their Parkinson's Disease drug intake after Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS). Before the operation, the patients used an average of 12 tablets per day of three different Parkinson's Disease drugs. After the operation the patients averaged 7 tablets per day of 1-2 Parkinson's Disease drugs. The use of amantadine, MAO-B and COMT inhibitors were also significantly decreased. The dose of dopaminergic drugs was lowered from 1136 mg to 706 mg of L-dopa or the equivalent. Their Parkinson's Disease symptom scores also improved by nearly 50%. For more current news go to Parkinson's Disease News.

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Parkinson's Disease News details all significant new research, news reports, new books, and new resources concerning Parkinson's Disease and those medical disorders that often coincide with Parkinson's Disease. It is compiled from an analysis of  all newly published research, news reports, new clinical trials, all newly published books, and new web sites. A summary and analysis of the new research are provided,  as well as links to the complete abstracts and news reports