Deep brain stimulation reduces symptoms and medication use in Parkinson's disease

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By Olivia Bowthorpe

Subthalamic nucleus deep brain stimulation (STN-DBS) has been shown to effectively improve the symptoms of Parkinson's disease for up to five years.

Results from the Implantable Neurostimulator for the Treatment of Parkinson’s Disease (INTREPID) trial linked the device to improvements in motor function, suppression of body spasms and the easing of daily living activities. Researchers also recorded reductions in the use of anti-parkinsonian medications.1