UCSF professor Philip Starr published a paper suggesting that Deep Brain Stimulation works by reducing overly synchronized motor cortex activity. He believes that this explains why surgically implanted electrodes improve movement, tremor, and rigidity in Parkinson’s patients.
Little is known about why and how DBS works. This has held back efforts to improve the therapy. Customizing the stimulation delivered to maximally reduce symptoms is challenging. A better understanding of the effect of DBS on brain circuits could make it more effective.
ApplySci hopes that this research will also lead to equally effective, non-invasive, future treatments.
Wearable Tech + Digital Health NYC 2015 – June 30 @ New York Academy of Sciences. Early registration rate available until April 24th.