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Date: Mon, 2 Jun 1997 17:45:04 -0500 Subject: Lozano stim study results published. >Parkinson's procedure offers hope to sufferers >TORONTO (CP) - Five years ago, Gervais Cadieux was unable to control the >ceaseless tremors in his right arm and leg. >Today, because of an electrode implanted deep within the left side of his >brain, he is no longer a prisoner of Parkinson's disease, the debilitating >brain condition that affects about 100,000 Canadians. >It's been known for about a decade that the electrical stimulation of parts >of the brain could dramatically relieve the symptoms of Parkinson's, says >neurosurgeon Dr. Andres Lozano of Toronto Hospital. >But a new study, conducted by a team of Toronto researchers, explains what >was not clear to scientists before: how the treatment works. >The study, headed by Lozano, is published today in the journal Nature Medicine. >For Cadieux, 66, the difference between his life before brain surgery and >life now is "like black and white." >The resident of Gravenhurst, Ont., points out with pride that he sunk a >hole in one on a Florida golf course this winter, recently won a bowling >award and can even use a chainsaw to cut wood. >"I had nothing to look forward to and this has given me a whole new outlook >on life. It's just fantastic." >The study is another step forward along the path that will eventually lead >to a cure for the progressive disease characterized by uncontrollable >tremors and muscle rigidity, Lozano said. >"A cure is still not within our immediate reach but I think it will be >soon," he said. >"Increases in our knowledge are taking place at a rapid rate." >An electrical stimulation in one area of the brain can have a "domino >effect," influencing activity in other areas, Lozano said. >In people with Parkinson's, the cells that produce the chemical >neurotransmitter dopamine die off and, as they do, healthy motor function >becomes impaired. >Parkinson's sufferers are comparable to people trying to drive a car with a >foot placed firmly on the brakes, Lozano said. >With deep brain stimulation, "we've put electrodes into the brakes of the >brain that control movement, " he said. "And we're releasing the brakes by >using electrical activity." >The electrodes are surgically connected to a stimulator similar to a >cardiac pacemaker under the collarbone. >The stimulator is controlled by a battery-operated unit that attaches to a >patient's belt. It delivers electrical currents to the brain, which >interrupt the abnormal signals being sent from the diseased brain cells, >the study showed. >The study involved 15 patients. >CP 0013ES 02-06-97