Parkinson’s disease is a neurodegenerative condition that affects the body’s movements and ability to control them. It affects around 10 million people worldwide, and the symptoms can worsen overtime.

There is no cure for Parkinson’s disease, but there are treatments available that can alleviate its symptoms. Recently, a new non-invasive treatment has come to light that could help people with Parkinson’s disease.

What is Parkinson’s Disease?

Parkinson’s disease is a long-term degenerative disease that affects the central nervous system. It was named after James Parkinson, who first comprehensively described the disease in 1817.

The incidence of Parkinson’s disease is increasing worldwide, and according to statistics, it is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder after Alzheimer’s disease, affecting both men and women. In Parkinson’s disease, the neurons in the brain that produce dopamine, a neurotransmitter responsible for communication between the brain and the body, die off over time.

As a result, people with Parkinson’s experience tremors, stiffness, and difficulty with either starting or stopping movements.

Current Treatments for Parkinson’s Disease

While there is no cure for Parkinson’s disease, there are treatments available that can help manage its symptoms. The most common treatment is medication, which includes dopamine replacement therapy.

This therapy helps restore dopamine levels in the brain to improve symptoms. However, treatment with medication can become less effective over time, and some people develop side effects.

Deep brain stimulation is another method of treatment that involves implanting electrodes into the brain in specific regions responsible for motor functions.

These electrodes are connected to a stimulator device which is implanted under the skin of the chest. The device generates electrical signals that help reduce Parkinson’s disease symptoms like movement difficulties, tremors, and stiffness.

Non-Invasive Treatment for Parkinson’s Disease

A new non-invasive treatment called transcranial magnetic stimulation or TMS has been developed for Parkinson’s disease. The treatment is non-invasive as it does not involve any implants or invasive surgery.

TMS uses a magnetic field generator to generate electromagnetic waves that are pulsed through the skull and into the brain.

This technique stimulates the neurons in the brain responsible for movement, and as a result, it can improve symptoms like tremors and stiffness.

The treatment is still in its early stages, but initial trials have shown promising results, with some patients experiencing a noticeable improvement in their symptoms.

How does TMS work?

TMS stimulates neurons in the brain by using a magnetic field generator to create electromagnetic waves.

When these electromagnetic waves are pulsed through the skull and into the brain, they create an electric current which stimulates the neurons responsible for movement. As a result, the neurons become more active, and symptoms like tremors and stiffness begin to improve.

Advantages of TMS Treatment for Parkinson’s Disease

The advantages of TMS treatment compared to other treatments for Parkinson’s disease include:.

TMS is non-invasive and does not require any surgery or implants.
There are minimal side effects with TMS, and those that do occur are mild.
TMS is a relatively quick procedure and can be carried out in an outpatient setting.

Who Can Benefit from TMS Treatment?

TMS treatment is suitable for people with Parkinson’s disease who experience tremors and stiffness. However, it is not suitable for everyone.

People with implanted devices, metal plates in the head, or who have had brain surgery may not be eligible for TMS treatment.

The Future of TMS for Parkinson’s Disease

The early trials of TMS for Parkinson’s disease have shown promising results. However, more research needs to be done to determine the efficacy of the treatment.

It is likely that TMS will be used in combination with other treatments, such as medication or deep brain stimulation, to provide a comprehensive treatment plan for Parkinson’s disease.

Conclusion

Parkinson’s disease is a debilitating condition that can affect a person’s quality of life significantly. While there is no cure, there are treatments available that can help manage its symptoms.

The new non-invasive treatment of TMS is a promising development in the field of Parkinson’s disease management. With further research and development, TMS could provide a valuable addition to the treatment options available for people living with Parkinson’s disease.