Spinal Cord Stimulator Sparks Hope for Parkinson's Disease

The future treatment of Parkinson's disease may target the spinal cord instead of the brain to help alleviate the slow, rigid movements and tremors that are the hallmarks of the disease. Researchers at Duke University Medical Center have developed and tested a first-of-its-kind device that rapidly restored motor function in mice with the symptoms of Parkinsons disease.

Miguel Nicolelis, M.D., Ph.D., senior study investigator and Anne W. Deane Professor of Neuroscience:

"We have discovered a new, semi-invasive way to produce a relief of Parkinson's disease motor symptoms that is very consistent, can last for long periods of time, that reduces significantly the risks for these patients, and can be done in the early stages of the disease in combination with small doses of pharmacological therapy."

The prosthetic device applies electrical stimulation to the part of the spinal cord that carries tactile information from the body to the brain. Researchers attached the device to the surface of the spinal cord in mice and rats with depleted levels of the chemical dopamine to mimic the biologic characteristics of someone with Parkinsons disease which produced impaired motor skills.

When the device was turned on (could have the video timed to have the mouse become active here), the researchers saw an almost immediate and dramatic change in the animals ability to move.

Miguel Nicolelis, M.D., Ph.D., senior study investigator and Anne W. Deane Professor of Neuroscience:

"This shows that a very unexpected pathway can have a very profound effect on the way the motor system operates. I don't think anybody though about treating Parkinson's disease with stimulation of the spinal cord, particularly the sensory component of the spinal cord. That shows to me that the interaction between sensory and motor component is much closer than anticipated in the past. it's part of the same system."

Researcher said this work addresses an important need because medication eventually stops working
in later stages of Parkinsons disease and an invasive surgery to stimulate neurons in the brain is the only other option for some patients.

The findings appear in the latest issue of the journal Science.

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• Duke
• University
• Medical
• Center
• Spinal
• Cord
• Stimulator
• Parkinsons
• Disease
• Treatment
• Nicolelis
• neuroscience
• mice
• movement

[happinesson]

undying desire for the research he came up with a heavenly made device that can alleviate the symptoms of Parkinson's Disease. This is a success!

[Lima547]

Dr Nicolelis, Parabens pelo trabalho no Brasil e principalmente a vontade de mudar nosso pais. Compartilho suas opinioes politicas, religiosas e cientificas e fico feliz quando o vejo botar a boca no trombone porque sinto que as pessoas no nosso tao amano pais precisam ouvir pra viverem de forma mais racional/moderna e menos medieval/religiosa. Abraco.

[marcosmjpa]

Because Brazilians were colonized by Europeans. Simple as that.

[jpmcarmo]

@djanamatos But fortunately he's trying to make the difference in Brazil also, with the founding of the Instituto Neurologico de Natal, in Rio Grande do Norte, and with funding from Edmond and Lily Safra.

[jpmcarmo]

@jorgemagodeoz01 Thanks. I agree! I'm proud of being a Brazilian scientist too!

[SommerFamilyChiro]

It surprises me to see how many people are now realizing the importance of PROPER afferent stimulation to the brain. This is why chiropractic is so involved in the body. We restore the body to proper function and performance through specific spinal adjustments... allowing, once again, the brain to effectively RECEIVE info from the body, so it can coordinate and control the outflow. It was Hippocrates who first made mention of looking at the spine.

[davepamn]

During parkinson the brain activity at the motor cortex finds these cells are more synchronous and seem to be fighting each other, almost like a mild seizure, a mild epileptic seizure, but it is not a seizure. The prothestic desynchronises these neurons. Does the prothestic use transmit normal code the spinal Chord rather than the synchronous brain code?

[Lima547]

Clever guy, good-willing soul, Brazilian heart!

[jorgemagodeoz01]

He´s an amazing example of how brilliant brazilian people are. We´re able to do anything.

Congrats Dr. Nicolelis!

[AngeloNoel]

I think that's his father surname (he colud be a son of Greek immigrants or a immigant himself). Because his mother have the surname "Nicolelis" in the very last name. Which means when she married, took "Nicolelis" from her surname. Here, we have people from all over the world, especially europeans...