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, MD, 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, MD, Ph.D., senior study investigator and Anne W. Deane Professor of Neuroscience: “This shows that a …
Tagged with: Duke University Medical Center • Pharmacological Therapy • Spinal Cord Stimulator
Filed under: Parkinsons
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He´s an amazing example of how brilliant brazilian people are. We´re able to do anything.
Congrats Dr. Nicolelis!
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…
archimedes (I believe it was him) said the spine is where all ailment-illnesses can be found
Why has he a Greek surname, especially met in Lesvos Island?
Unfortunately, one more Brazilian great scientist (maybe the best of them, actually) who had to leave our country in order to find resources and support to make a dream come true.
really good
Miguel Nicolelis is Brazilian!! They don’t mention this in the story, of course. He did all his studies in Brazil and joined Duke in 2001 as a professor. Just thought you guys should know this. Just another example of a brilliant mind going where the money is to get the most out of his exceptional talent.
Extraordinary!
That is great
Exceptional work by Miguel Nicolelis, hats off to you. Thank you for posting this.