Deep Brain Stimulation for Early Parkinson's Disease
Each year in the U.S. approximately 60,000 people are diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease and approximately 1.5 million people suffer from the disease. Current treatments including Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) are only symptomatic.
Evidence from early clinical trials suggests that deep brain stimulation applied early in Parkinson's Disease may slow disease progression.
CAUTION: Investigational device. Limited by Federal law to investigational use.
Slowing Disease Progression
BACKGROUND
Parkinson's Disease is a chronic and progressive disease that primarily affects the motor system. Cardinal symptoms include tremor, bradykinesia, rigidity and postural instability.
EXPERTISE
David Charles, M.D. is Professor and Vice-Chair of Neurology and Medical Director of TeleHealth at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. Dr. Charles graduated from Vanderbilt School of Engineering and earned his MD from Vanderbilt School of Medicine. Dr. Charles conducted Parkinson’s disease research in France as a Fulbright Senior Scholar.
TREATMENTS
Parkinson's disease patients have neurodegeneration and associated reduction in dopamine production. Dopaminergic medications are first-line treatment.
THERAPY
Deep Brain Stimulation is used for symptomatic treatment of mid- and advanced Parkinson's disease when medications no longer control symptoms, or produce intolerable side effects. Data suggest that early DBS may slow progression of motor symptoms and progression of tremor.
IMPACT
Each year, 60,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, and 96 percent of these patients are diagnosed after age 50.
new solutions
New therapy and treatment for Parkinson's disease can potentially be identified through clinical trials.