Scalpel-free surgery enhances quality of life for Parkinson's patients

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Article:
University of Virginia Health System. (2018, November 9). Scalpel-free surgery enhances quality of life for Parkinson's patients: Focused ultrasound can benefit those whom medication fails, researchers conclude. ScienceDaily. Retrieved November 14, 2018 from www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/11/181109112650.htm

Summary:
Researchers at the University of Virginia's Medical School have made an important connection between cutting edge medicine and Parkinson's Disease.  The Focused Ultrasound technology had previously been FDA approved for the treatment of tremors. This study analyzed the use of Focused Ultrasound technology in the treatment of tremors in patients with drug- resistant Parkinson's Disease. As a result of the study, patients saw improvement 3 months and 12 months post- procedure while doing everyday tasks, emotionally, and felt less stigmatized socially. In addition to the main focus of the study, remedying tremor symptoms, the study looked in depth at the cognitive affects of the procedure. One such effect was that patients were slower to recall speaking words or name colors. While this may be a side effect of the ultrasound procedure, it is unclear whether it is a result of the natural progression of the disease.

Reflection:
Parkinson's disease is a disease well known for its life altering effects. The disease manifests through many symptoms such as tremors, slowing of movement, loss of facial expressions, and slurred speech. One of the most common medications given to patients with the disease is levodopa. This medication targets the dopamine deficiency in the body yet has many side effects such as vomiting, irregular heart rhythm, confusion (WebMD, n.d.).

Focused ultrasound technology shows promising results as a new treatment for Parkinson's Disease. Since patients reported long lasting affects in minimizing their symptoms as well as positive psychological states post procedure. It is especially promising to those suffering from the disease that have shown no improvement with traditional medications. This also offers an alternative to traditional (invasive) surgical methods, a common treatment for those suffering from the later stages of the disease.

Reference:
WebMD. (n.d.). Medications for Parkinson's Disease. Retrieved from https://www.webmd.com/parkinsons-disease/guide/drug-treatments#1

Comments

  1. UnknownNovember 15, 2018 at 10:31 PM

    Ultrasound seems to be an enticing form of treatment since it is non-invasive and not chemical in nature. Therefore one would assume it would have many fewer side effects. However, the concern would be how long-lasting ultrasound treatment is. Levodopa as a precursor to the neurotransmitter dopamine carries many off-target effects and may stimulate other neurons besides those intended to control disease. Since the ultrasound can be focused on the damaged neurons it is unlikely to show the same off-target effects of Levodopa. Is there any data about how long-lasting the treatment is?

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