Scientists from the University of North Carolina have successfully tested the treatment of movement disorders in patients with Parkinson’s disease using focused ultrasound. Research published New England Journal of Medicine.
The scientists used focused ultrasound to target a deep region of the brain called the globus pallidus. This minimally invasive procedure did not require cutting or opening the skull. The procedure was performed under MRI guidance so that doctors could pinpoint the correct place in the brain that needed correction. In the procedure, focused ultrasound waves destroy faulty brain circuits inside the brain.
Of the 69 patients treated in the study, approximately 70% were treated with some degree of success. The 39 participants who went through the procedure continued to see significant benefits after three months. The treatment improved the study participants’ ability to move and reduced the unwanted tremors and muscle stiffness typical of Parkinson’s disease. Of those who came for a follow-up one year later, 30 participants reported a lasting effect.
The researchers believe the procedure could be particularly useful for patients who are not suitable or who do not wish to receive deep brain stimulation, an operation in which electrodes are implanted deep into the brain to achieve the same symptom-relieving goals.