Wiring the brain, literally, to treat stubborn disorders
January 19, 2012
Deep brain stimulation surgery (credit: Thomasbg/Wikimedia Commons)
Researchers are now using deep brain stimulation (DBS) for psychiatric conditions.
After two years of DBS, 92% reported significant relief from their major depression or bipolar disorder and more than half were in remission, with no manic side effects.
Other clinical trials are studying DBS as a treatment for epilepsy and obsessive-compulsive disorder; some researchers are experimenting with it for Alzheimer’s disease, tinnitus, addiction and Tourette syndrome, a condition that causes sudden movements and tics.
DBS has helped halt tremors in more than 100,000 patients with Parkinson’s disease and other movement disorders.
Related Site Content:
- Brain electrodes fix depression long term | January 5, 2012
- Electrical stimulation of brain boosts birth of new cells | September 22, 2011
- Scientists use optogenetics to control reward-seeking behavior | June 30, 2011
- Using ultrasound to treat brain disorders in clinical emergencies | September 12, 2011
- Susan Greenfield: living online is changing our brains | August 5, 2011
Comments (1)
by Khannea Suntzu
Where can I qualify for getting this treatment? Not a second of doubt.