Doctors try brain implant to fight Parkinson's for the first time

A team of doctors in the UK is trying to reverse the symptoms of Parkinson's disease by implanting a device in the brain. Surgeons are testing a tiny deep brain stimulation (DBS) device to override the abnormal brain-cell firing patterns.

The first person to receive the treatment underwent the process at Southmead Hospital in Bristol. Mr Tony Howells said that the impact of the procedure is "amazing". A total of 25 patients have been selected for the trial over the course of two years.

Parkinson's disease is a neurodegenerative condition that worsens over time. Parts of the brain become progressively damaged over years and the patient will start experiencing involuntary shaking and slow movement. Muscles will become stiff and inflexible when the disease takes its course.

Currently, there is no cure for Parkinson's disease.

Mr Howells said that he could not walk more than 182 metres before. A year later, he received the implant and walked 4 kms. "We could have gone further. It was amazing". He added that one cannot understand how frustrating Parkinson's is until it happens to you. "Just doing your shoelaces up is a major operation. It affects your everyday life".

The new device is the smallest DBS system ever created. It has a battery system that enables the device to deliver electrical impulses directly to the targeted areas of the brain. Electrical probes are put deep into the centre of the brain through the skull.

The procedure takes three hours. Neurologist Dr Alan Whone thinks that new implants are more helpful in youngsters. "If you're more elderly, or if you've got memory problems as part of your Parkinson's, this wouldn't be suitable for you".