Latest news with #DeepBrainStimulation
Daily Mail
04-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
A-ha frontman Morten Harket, 65, diagnosed with Parkinson's disease as band writes 'he has been battling his own body' in recent years
A-ha frontman Morten Harket has revealed he has Parkinson's disease. The band shared a press release on their website on Wednesday and wrote that Morten, 65, has been 'battling his own body' in recent years. It read: 'This isn't the sort of news anyone wants to deliver to the world, but here it is: Morten has Parkinson's disease.' Morten said he had initially kept the degenerative condition private but has now decided to tell fans. He said: 'I've got no problem accepting the diagnosis. With time I've taken to heart my 94-year-old father's attitude to the way the organism gradually surrenders: "I use whatever works". 'Part of me wanted to reveal it. Like I said, acknowledging the diagnosis wasn't a problem for me; it's my need for peace and quiet to work that has been stopping me. 'I'm trying the best I can to prevent my entire system from going into decline. 'It's a difficult balancing act between taking the medication and managing its side effects. 'There's so much to weigh up when you're emulating the masterful way the body handles every complex movement, or social matters and invitations, or day-to-day life in general.' He told the band's biographer Jan Omdahl that he has been making the most of advanced technology in treating the disease and has been using a method called deep brain stimulation.
India Today
14-05-2025
- Health
- India Today
In a first, Ganga Ram hospital doctors treat Parkinson's tremors without surgery
Patients suffering from Parkinson's tremors might find relief as doctors have used a non-surgical method to treat the at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital in New Delhi treated a patient successfully using a method called MRI-Guided Focused Ultrasound (MRgFUS).According to the experts, this is the first time this method has been used to treat Parkinson's disease in North Parkinson's disease is a brain condition that affects how a person moves. It happens when certain nerve cells in the brain that produce a chemical called dopamine begin to break down or helps control smooth and balanced movement, so when its levels drop, a person can have trouble moving symptoms of the condition include tremors (shaking), especially in the hands, stiff muscles, slowed movements, balance and coordination problems, and small handwriting or changes in time, it may also lead to issues like depression, trouble sleeping, or memory (name changed), a retired schoolteacher, had been battling severe hand tremors for years. These tremors made everyday tasks like drinking water, eating, or writing nearly visiting several doctors and trying different medicines, nothing she was advised to undergo Deep Brain Stimulation, a complicated brain surgery, she was terrified and chose to continue living with the problem. Parkinson's disease is a brain condition that affects how a person moves. () That changed when she learned about a new non-invasive treatment available in Delhi. Initially considering travelling to the UK for the procedure, Reema was relieved to find the same technology here in underwent the MRgFUS procedure, conducted by Dr. Anshu Rohatgi, Vice Chairman of Neurology, and saw results immediately. Her right hand stopped shaking during the treatment next morning, she could hold a glass of water, eat a sandwich, and even write her name, simple acts that felt like major is a modern treatment that doesn't require any cuts or implants. It works by using focused sound waves to target the exact part of the brain causing the procedure is done using an MRI, which ensures high accuracy. It is especially useful for people with Essential Tremors (a common neurological disorder) and Parkinson's Disease where shaking is the main is a completely non-invasive technique, so patients avoid the risks of open surgery and recover faster,' said Dr. Satnam Chhabra, Chairman of Neurosurgery.'This is part of our ongoing effort to bring the latest technology to our patients. For those who don't respond to medicines, this treatment offers a new lease on life,' Dr. Ajay Swaroop, Chairman of the hospital's Board of Management, Watch
Yahoo
10-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Music conductor with Parkinson's sees symptoms improve with deep brain stimulation
An Ohio music conductor is using deep brain stimulation to combat his Parkinson's disease. Rand Laycock, 70, the director and conductor of a symphony orchestra, was diagnosed just before his 60th birthday, according to a press release from Cleveland Clinic. "My doctor at the time told me [a Parkinson's diagnosis] wasn't a death sentence, and there would be advancements over the next few years to help with my treatment," said Laycock. Stem-cell Therapy For Parkinson's Shows 'Strong Promise' In Relieving Symptoms Even after a regimen of medications, however, Laycock's symptoms continued to progress over the next 11 years. When tremors in his right hand began increasing in severity and frequency, he began exploring other treatments. Read On The Fox News App "The tremor would really start to be pronounced if I had a deadline coming up for something with the orchestra," Laycock told Cleveland Clinic. Doctor Shares Ways To Prevent Getting Parkinson's Disease He also started experiencing dyskinesias, which are involuntary movements that can be a side effect of long-term use of certain Parkinson's medications. Michal Gostkowski, DO, a neurologist at Cleveland Clinic, introduced Laycock to the alternative option of deep brain stimulation (DBS), which was described as a "pacemaker for the brain." DBS is a "treatment that involves an implanted device that delivers an electrical current directly to areas of your brain," according to Cleveland Clinic. There are billions of neurons in the brain, which communicate using electrical and chemical signals. Some brain conditions, including Parkinson's, can make those neurons less active, the same source stated. Paralyzed Man With Als Is Third To Receive Neuralink Implant, Can Type With Brain Deep brain stimulation applies an electrical current to make those neurons more active. In May 2024, Laycock received a brain implant as the first step of the DBS therapy. He then activated and set up his device with programmer Erica Hennigs, the release detailed. "When it comes to programming the device, we try different settings at first," said Hennigs. "We then adjust those during follow-up visits as we learn more about how his symptoms are being controlled." After seeing success for nearly a year, Laycock progressed to a more advanced form of DBS called adaptive deep brain stimulation, or aDBS. "Traditional DBS gives the same stimulation to the brain 24 hours a day. What makes aDBS different is that it can adapt and fine-tune the stimulation in real time," said Dr. Michael Gostkowski, a neurologist at Cleveland Clinic, in the release. "By tracking a certain frequency in the brain, it can increase or decrease the stimulation as needed to better control symptoms." Laycock was a good candidate for the advanced therapy because his symptoms fluctuated throughout the day, which means a treatment that could adapt to those fluctuations could be more effective, according to the clinic. "Since Rand's a music conductor, fine-tuning with aDBS would reduce the risk of him experiencing tremors if his medication were to wear off in the middle of a concert or performance," said Hennigs. Because of his previous positive experience with DBS, Laycock jumped at the chance to receive the new version. "It sounded like it would make my life simpler – not having to worry about adjusting my device settings and medications as frequently," he told Cleveland Clinic. Click Here To Sign Up For Our Health Newsletter The conductor's implanted device was able to support new adaptive technology, so it was just a matter of working with Hennigs to update the settings. Laycock began receiving aDBS in March 2025. Now, his tremors are almost completely gone except for times of extreme stress or anxiety, according to the release. "And my dyskinesia is pretty well under control," he said. "My symptoms are minimal compared to the way they were, and a lot of that is due to adaptive deep brain stimulation." Laycock is now approaching his 47th year as a music conductor, the release stated, and he looks forward to spending time with his wife, two children and granddaughter. For more Health articles, visit Gostkowski encourages Parkinson's patients to ask their doctors about DBS or aDBS as an option to control symptoms and improve quality of life. Laycock added, "I know the thought of brain surgery can be intimidating, but it's a life-changing procedure that allows you to become your own self again."Original article source: Music conductor with Parkinson's sees symptoms improve with deep brain stimulation
Fox News
10-05-2025
- Health
- Fox News
Music conductor with Parkinson's sees symptoms improve with deep brain stimulation
An Ohio music conductor is using deep brain stimulation to combat his Parkinson's disease. Rand Laycock, 70, the director and conductor of a symphony orchestra, was diagnosed just before his 60th birthday, according to a press release from Cleveland Clinic. "My doctor at the time told me [a Parkinson's diagnosis] wasn't a death sentence, and there would be advancements over the next few years to help with my treatment," said Laycock. Even after a regimen of medications, however, Laycock's symptoms continued to progress over the next 11 years. When tremors in his right hand began increasing in severity and frequency, he began exploring other treatments. "The tremor would really start to be pronounced if I had a deadline coming up for something with the orchestra," Laycock told Cleveland Clinic. He also started experiencing dyskinesias, which are involuntary movements that can be a side effect of long-term use of certain Parkinson's medications. Michal Gostkowski, DO, a neurologist at Cleveland Clinic, introduced Laycock to the alternative option of deep brain stimulation (DBS), which was described as a "pacemaker for the brain." DBS is a "treatment that involves an implanted device that delivers an electrical current directly to areas of your brain," according to Cleveland Clinic. There are billions of neurons in the brain, which communicate using electrical and chemical signals. Some brain conditions, including Parkinson's, can make those neurons less active, the same source stated. Deep brain stimulation applies an electrical current to make those neurons more active. In May 2024, Laycock received a brain implant as the first step of the DBS therapy. He then activated and set up his device with programmer Erica Hennigs, the release detailed. "I know the thought of brain surgery can be intimidating, but it's a life-changing procedure that allows you to become your own self again." "When it comes to programming the device, we try different settings at first," said Hennigs. "We then adjust those during follow-up visits as we learn more about how his symptoms are being controlled." After seeing success for nearly a year, Laycock progressed to a more advanced form of DBS called adaptive deep brain stimulation, or aDBS. "Traditional DBS gives the same stimulation to the brain 24 hours a day. What makes aDBS different is that it can adapt and fine-tune the stimulation in real time," said Dr. Michael Gostkowski, a neurologist at Cleveland Clinic, in the release. "By tracking a certain frequency in the brain, it can increase or decrease the stimulation as needed to better control symptoms." Laycock was a good candidate for the advanced therapy because his symptoms fluctuated throughout the day, which means a treatment that could adapt to those fluctuations could be more effective, according to the clinic. "Since Rand's a music conductor, fine-tuning with aDBS would reduce the risk of him experiencing tremors if his medication were to wear off in the middle of a concert or performance," said Hennigs. Because of his previous positive experience with DBS, Laycock jumped at the chance to receive the new version. "It sounded like it would make my life simpler – not having to worry about adjusting my device settings and medications as frequently," he told Cleveland Clinic. The conductor's implanted device was able to support new adaptive technology, so it was just a matter of working with Hennigs to update the settings. Laycock began receiving aDBS in March 2025. Now, his tremors are almost completely gone except for times of extreme stress or anxiety, according to the release. "And my dyskinesia is pretty well under control," he said. "My symptoms are minimal compared to the way they were, and a lot of that is due to adaptive deep brain stimulation." Laycock is now approaching his 47th year as a music conductor, the release stated, and he looks forward to spending time with his wife, two children and granddaughter. For more Health articles, visit Gostkowski encourages Parkinson's patients to ask their doctors about DBS or aDBS as an option to control symptoms and improve quality of life. Laycock added, "I know the thought of brain surgery can be intimidating, but it's a life-changing procedure that allows you to become your own self again."
Associated Press
06-05-2025
- Health
- Associated Press
Reading Your Brain Waves To Treat a Debilitating Disease
Liza Bobrow didn't think it was a big deal when her handwriting suddenly went haywire. 'It was just so bizarre,' she remembers. 'My handwriting was getting teeny-tiny. I couldn't even sign a check. I had just turned 50 so I thought 'I'm getting old. I must have arthritis, or a pinched nerve or writer's cramp.' So, when the doctors told me it was Parkinson's Disease, I was terrified.' Medication helped at first. Her handwriting returned to near normal. But Parkinson's is a progressive disease—it usually worsens over time. Two years after her diagnosis, the medication began triggering bouts of dystonia. She suffered painful muscle spasms in her feet that made walking difficult. Her right arm would suddenly shoot out and she would have to cradle it back in with her left arm. 'The pain was so bad that I didn't want to take the medication,' she said. 'But without the medicine I struggled with motor skills. It was a terrible time.' Neurologists eventually suggested deep brain stimulation (DBS), a surgical procedure in which electrodes are implanted in specific spots in the brain to deliver electrical stimulation to help control tremor, rigidity, and bradykinesia. Bobrow and her husband spent six months researching DBS and consulting her doctors before deciding to proceed. 'I had never had surgery in my life, so the idea of brain surgery was pretty scary,' she said. 'But I had an incredible experience, and the results are profound. My motor skill fluctuation is less and in general it's just a feeling of relaxation and comfort in my body that I just didn't have before DBS.' Revolutionary leap in DBS therapy DBS has been around for decades. A pacemaker-like device is implanted in the upper chest and thin wires lead to precise locations in the brain, where electrodes deliver electrical stimulation that can help control some of the symptoms from Parkinson's. Even though traditional DBS is proven as a safe and effective treatment for Parkinson's, the level of stimulation is constant/pre-programmed. But it has limitations. The human body and brain are constantly changing and adjusting, as the various symptoms of Parkinson's disease and medication levels can fluctuate in intensity throughout the day. So, the amount of electrical stimulation needed to optimally treat Parkinson's may also change. 'I went through a lot of programming sessions to refine the device settings,' Bobrow said. 'You can't just set it and forget about it.' For many patients, that's about to change. The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently approved the Medtronic Adaptive Deep Brain Stimulation (aDBS) system for use in the U.S. for patients with Parkinson's disease. With aDBS, the electrodes that deliver electrical stimulation can also sense the patient's brain signals and automatically adjust the level of stimulation to meet the patient's needs.1 A few programming adjustment visits may be needed in the first few months after turning on Adaptive Therapy. Patients programmed with Adaptive Therapy may require more programming adjustment visits if they experience stimulation-related side effects or need to further personalize programming settings. 'The aDBS system listens to these brain waves and then algorithms adjust the stimulation in real time according to what the brain waves tell us about their symptoms. It's a very exciting development,' said Dr. Simon Little, a neurologist at the University of California San Francisco (UCSF). Living the dream Liza Bobrow received her DBS device before the FDA approval of aDBS; however, a software upgrade to aDBS does not require surgery. Her device already includes the brain sensing technology†; if her doctors decide she is a candidate for aDBS, it would be a matter of activating this technology in her current device. 'Adaptability is obviously the next frontier. I can tell that my body has ebbs and flows and clearly real-time stimulation adjustment is something that interests me,' Liza said. 'There's been a dream in our field for years that a device would be developed that could understand brain signals well enough to auto-deliver stimulation,' added Dr. Philip Starr, professor of neurological surgery at UCSF. 'Now the dream is real. This field of neuromodulation is sort of like turning back the clock. It can take people with a chronic disease like Parkinson's and give them a better quality of life. The rejuvenation that people experience is dramatic and as a clinician it's a wonderful thing to participate in.' Learn more about Medtronic. IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION DBS Therapy requires brain surgery. Risks may include: surgical complications, infection, failure to deliver therapy as needed and/or worsening of some symptoms. Product usage represented may not be approved or cleared in all markets. † The sensing feature of the Percept™ PC and Percept™ RC system is intended for use in patients receiving DBS where chronically recorded bioelectric data may provide useful, objective information regarding patient clinical status. L001-03112025 References: Visit 3BL Media to see more multimedia and stories from Medtronic
