New research shows deep brain stimulation can help improve the quality of life for patients with Parkinsons disease by helping them regain control of their motor functions.

But the treatment - similar to a pacemaker for the brain - does have risks.

Perry Olson has more in this week's Eye on Health.

Eileen Mosimann is getting aroUND a lot easier these days...

The 65 year-old was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease 10 years ago But says thanks to a surgical treatment, her symptoms have practically disappeared.

(SOT-Eileen Mosimann, Parkinson's Disease Patient) "SOMETIMES I CAN'T REMEMBER WHAT IT WAS LIKE, BECAUSE MY PROGRESS HAS BEEN PRETTY GOOD."


A new study found deep brain stimulation reduces tremors and gives patients better control of movement..

Electrodes are implanted in the brain and connected to a small electronic device that is implanted in the chest... Which sends constant electrical signals back to the brain.

(SOT-Dr. Michael Kaplitt, Neurosurgeon, NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell) "BY SENDING THESE LITTLE ELECTRICAL PULSES IN THE CENTER OF THE CIRCUIT THAT REGULATES MOVEMENT, YOU CAN CHANGE THE ABNORMAL FLOW OF INFORMATION IN PARKINSON'S DISEASE."


Researchers found after six months of treatment, 71 percent of patients undergoing D-B-S had improved motor function with the average patient regaining 4 and a half hours a day of good motor control... Patients getting just drug therapy did not see that improvement.

BUT THE TREATMENT ISN'T WITHOUT RISK... THE STUDY WHICH WAS FUNDED IN PART BY THE DEVICE MAKER FOUND THAT SOME PATIENTS HAD ADVERSE EFFECTS INCLUDING INFECTIONS AND NERVOUS SYSTEM DISORDERS. ONE PATIENT DIED.

But for patients like Eileen...

(SOT-Mosimann) I SWIM, I DO YOGA, I TRY TO KEEP ACTIVE. // THERE'S SOME DAYS I'M NOT 100 PERCENT, BUT FOR THE MOST PART... A LOT OF PEOPLE SAID THEY'D NEVER KNOW I HAD THE CONDITION.

The possibility of resuming normal activities outweighs the potential risks.

Perry Olson, KXNews. watch the video | save this article / add to your favorites list