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The medical world has witnessed a recent development, with the newly FDA approved brain implant to ameliorate symptoms of Parkinson’s disease and essential tremor.
After 18 years, the Brio Neurostimulation System at St. Jude Medical in St. Paul, Minnesota, is the second device to be approved by the FDA (US Food and Drug Administration).
The Brio Neurostimulation System is an implantable deep brain stimulation device that contributes to the diminishing of Parkinson’s symptoms and also provides relief in essential tremor.
The newly approved brain implant is highly recommended especially in those cases where medical treatment doesn’t provide necessary and sufficient amelioration.
This fact was practically proven by the two clinical studies carried out to test the security and efficiency of the brain implant.
One of these studies involved 136 patients with Parkinson’s disease, whereas the other addressed 127 patients with essential tremor. All patients experienced major improvement after the treatment.
According to the National Institutes of Health, every year, about 50,000 Americans are diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, while a total of around one million Americans actually suffer from this condition.
Parkinson’s disease is a neurological disorder that usually affects individuals after the age of 60 years and it occurs when those cells in the brain that create a chemical called dopamine become damaged or stop functioning.
Dopamine is the substance that facilitates the transmission of signals between those parts of the brain that enable fluent, regular motion, like holding, drawing and feeding.
Essential tremor also affects a large number of people, commonly appearing among those who surpassed the age of 40 years.
As stated by William Maisel, M.D., M.P.H., acting director of the Office of Device Evaluation at the FDA’s Center for Devices and Radiological Health, unfortunately, there is no cure yet to treat Parkinson’s disease and essential tremor.
However, he emphasizes on the essential importance of finding effective ways to manage symptoms, by providing optional treatment for those who suffer from these conditions.
In additions, he states that patients need to be practically supported in leading better and more productive lives.
The Brio Neurostimulation System is a small (1.9in x 2.1in x 0.4in) electrical pulse generator that is powered by battery and rechargeable. It is implanted under the skin of the superior part of the chest, connecting the electrodes placed within the brain at precise locations.
Adverse effects of The Brio Neurostimulation System mainly involved the displacement of the device, intracranial bleeding, which may result in stroke, paralysis, or even death.
The Brio Neurostimulation System, manufactured by St. Jude Medical in St. Paul, Minnesota, proved successful in relieving the main symptoms of Parkinson’s disease and essential tremor, such as ballance difficulties, challenges in movement and tremors.
