Spinal Cord Stimulator Sparks Hope for Parkinson’s Disease
Take a moment to watch this short video about parkinson’s disease stages and then leave a comment.
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: Cord • disease • hope • Parkinsons • Sparks • Spinal • Stimulator
Filed under: Parkinsons
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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.
Because Brazilians were colonized by Europeans. Simple as that.
@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.
@jorgemagodeoz01 Thanks. I agree! I’m proud of being a Brazilian scientist too!
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.
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?
Clever guy, good-willing soul, Brazilian heart!
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.