Study: Electrodes Ease Parkinson's Symptoms
NEW YORK (AP) Electrodes that stimulate a grape-sized
structure in the brain can relieve some symptoms of Parkinson's
disease. A new study suggests it works by easing a brake on
movement.
The structure is called the globus pallidus. Surgery that damages
it can ease stiffness and slowness in Parkinson's. Recent studies show
electrical stimulation can do the same thing. To find out why,
scientists scanned the brains of Parkinson patients
as the stimulation was applied. Results suggest that the globus
pallidus acts as a brake on the brain's system regulating movement,
and that the stimulation, oddly enough, makes this brake ease up.
The study included nine patients, eight of whom had marked easing
of rigidity and slow movement during the stimulation.
Canadian researchers report the results in the June issue of the
journal Nature Medicine.
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