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DEEP BRAIN STIMULATOR ONE YEAR LATER French neuroscience specialists reported in the October 15 New England Journal of Medicine on the condition of two dozen patients with advanced PD who underwent surgery at least a year ago for implantation of electric stimulators in the subthalamic nucleus of their brains. There was a 60 percent improvement in patient scores in the standard activities of daily living and motor skills tests when off PD medications. There was only a 10 percent improvement in stiffness, rigidity, tremor, and walking when on PD medications. Perceived thinking skills and abilities were unchanged for most. On average, the patients reduced their levodopa (Sinemet) medications by one-half. The implants did not always produce positive results. One patient became paralyzed and lost the ability to speak after suffering an intracerebral hematoma during the implantation procedure. The French researchers concluded that electrical stimulation of the subthalamic nucleus is an effective treatment for advanced Parkinson's disease, that the severity of symptoms while off medication decreases, and that dyskinesia and levodopa medication may be reduced. Deep brain electrical stimulators are not for everybody. There is risk of becoming much worse off as a result of the operation. The improvement when on medication is calculated at only ten percent. The stimulator should be considered only by those with PD so advanced that even a relatively small possible improvement is worth the risk. I'll wait for something better. DISCLAIMER (in 7 point type) At the suggestion of the former A.P.D.A. Director of Chapter Operations: The information and reference material contained herein concerning research being done in the field of Parkinson's disease and answers to readers' questions are solely for the information of the reader. It should not be used for treatment purposes, but rather for discussion with the patient's own physician. Dogs and men are alike because both have irrational fears about vacuum cleaners. Dogs are better than women because they understand that instincts are better than asking for directions. Will Johnston