Brain stimulation studied for Parkinson's

BIRMINHAM, Ala., Jan. 19 (UPI) -- Researchers in Alabama say electronic deep brain stimulation is effective in both older and younger people who have Parkinson's disease.

Researchers at the University of Alabama in Birmingham spent six years studying 255 Parkinson's patients, including older patients who had previously been excluded from such research, The Birmingham (Ala.) News reported Monday.

Implanting electrodes to stimulate the brain proved significant for a wide range of patients who no longer responded well to medication, said Dr. Barton L. Guthrie, a UAB neurosurgeon.

In the study of patients 37 to 83 years old, 71 percent of patients who received deep brain stimulation showed significant gain in motor functions as compared with 32 percent given only drugs.

The most common side effects from the stimulation were infections, pain, depression and balance problems, most of which were resolved during the study, Guthrie said, noting there was one death.

Parkinson's is neurodegenerative condition marked by tremors and lack of coordination.