Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder that affects people of all ages and races. It is characterized by the loss of dopamine-producing cells in the brain, leading to tremors, rigidity, slowed movement, and balance problems.

PD has been a challenge for physicians to treat, and there is currently no cure. However, recent advances in implant technology offer new hope to PD patients. Neurostimulation, also known as deep brain stimulation (DBS), has been shown to be effective in managing PD symptoms.

It involves implanting a device that sends electrical impulses to specific areas of the brain, which can alleviate tremors, stiffness, and other symptoms.

What is Deep Brain Stimulation?

Deep brain stimulation is a surgical procedure that involves implanting a pacemaker-like device in the brain. The device sends electrical signals to the brain’s motor circuits, which regulate movement.

The electrical impulses interfere with the abnormal firing of neurons that cause tremors and other PD symptoms. As a result, patients experience a significant reduction in tremors, rigidity, and other symptoms of Parkinson’s disease.

How Does Deep Brain Stimulation Work?

The implant device is placed inside the chest, and it is connected to electrodes implanted in the brain. The electrodes are threaded through a small hole in the skull and placed in specific areas of the brain, depending on the patient’s symptoms.

The device is programmed to deliver electrical impulses to the brain continuously or intermittently, depending on the patient’s needs. Patients can adjust the device with a remote control to control the stimulation and reduce the side effects.

The Advantages of Deep Brain Stimulation

Deep brain stimulation offers numerous benefits for patients with Parkinson’s disease. It can reduce the severity and frequency of tremors, stiffness, and other symptoms.

It also provides long-lasting relief, unlike other PD medications, which may wear off over time. DBS can also improve the quality of life for patients by allowing them to perform activities of daily living more easily. Additionally, DBS is reversible, unlike other surgical procedures that involve ablating or destroying brain tissue.

New Implant Technology Improves Deep Brain Stimulation

Recently, new implant technology has emerged to make the DBS procedure even more effective. The St. Jude Medical Infinity™ DBS system offers several key advantages over other DBS systems:.

1. Multipolar Stimulation Leads

The Infinity DBS system features multipolar stimulation leads, which allow for precise targeting of specific areas of the brain. The leads have four contact points, which can stimulate neurons in different ways.

This allows the physician to tailor the stimulation to the patient’s specific symptoms and anatomy, resulting in better outcomes and fewer side effects.

2. Directional Leads

The Infinity DBS system also features directional leads, which allow for even more precise targeting of neurons. The leads have multiple segments that can be independently programmed, allowing for focused stimulation in specific areas of the brain.

The directional leads can also reduce stimulation in areas of the brain that are not essential for movement, resulting in fewer side effects and better outcomes.

3. ProMRI® Compatibility

The Infinity DBS system is compatible with MRI scans, which is important for PD patients who may need MRI scans to diagnose other medical conditions.

Other DBS systems may require the device to be removed before an MRI scan, which can be inconvenient and increase the risk of infection. The Infinity DBS system is designed to be safely used during MRI scans, without any need for device removal.

4. Wireless Remote Control

The Infinity DBS system also features a wireless remote control, which allows patients to adjust the stimulation settings without visiting the physician’s office.

This provides patients with greater control over their treatment and makes it easier for them to manage their symptoms and side effects.

Conclusion

Deep brain stimulation has revolutionized the treatment of Parkinson’s disease, providing patients with long-lasting relief from tremors, stiffness, and other symptoms. Recent advances in implant technology, such as the St.

Jude Medical Infinity™ DBS system, have made the procedure even more effective. With its multipolar stimulation leads, directional leads, ProMRI compatibility, and wireless remote control, the Infinity DBS system offers superior outcomes and greater patient convenience than other DBS systems.

As a result, PD patients can enjoy a better quality of life and increased independence.