World-first study tests brain implants in humans to stop binge eating

In a first-of-its-kind pilot study, scientists have surgically implanted a device into the brains of two obese subjects suffering from binge-eating disorder. The device was designed to detect and disrupt brain signals associated with binge-eating food … Continue reading World-first study tests brain implants in humans to stop binge eating

Bespoke brain stimulation offers tailored treatments for depression

Originally developed to relieve motor symptoms in Parkinson’s patients in the 1980s, deep brain stimulation (DBS) is beginning to show real promise in treating other neurological conditions, including severe cases of depression. The technology works by… Continue reading Bespoke brain stimulation offers tailored treatments for depression

Stimulation of brain’s “depression switch” offers rapid, sustained relief

The past decade of research into deep brain stimulation (DBS), in which implanted electrodes are used to target specific brain regions with electrical impulses, has brought to light its potential to tackle a variety of neurological disorders. Depressio… Continue reading Stimulation of brain’s “depression switch” offers rapid, sustained relief

Computer-controlled brain implant enhances mental function in human trial

A landmark pilot study has demonstrated how a brain implant can deliver targeted bursts of electrical stimulation to improve cognitive functions. In real-time the implant senses electrical biomarkers of cognitive deficits and responds by stimulating sp… Continue reading Computer-controlled brain implant enhances mental function in human trial

Deep brain stimulation advance extends relief from Parkinson’s symptoms

Researchers continue to push the envelope in terms of how deep brain stimulation can treat Parksin

For several decades surgeons have been using deep brain stimulation (DBS) to treat severe Parkinson’s disease, delivering mild electric currents to parts of the brain to alleviate motor symptoms. A new study has marked a significant step forward for the technology, with researchers having upped the precision to target specific types of cells, which sees the effects of the therapy last several times as long in animal models.

Continue Reading

Category: Medical, Science

Tags: , ,

Continue reading Deep brain stimulation advance extends relief from Parkinson’s symptoms

Experimental brain implant zaps away depression in real-time

An incredible proof-of-concept study has demonstrated how a brain implant can treat severe depression by electrically stimulating certain brain regions. The cutting-edge experimental implant monitors neural activity for biomarkers signaling the onset o… Continue reading Experimental brain implant zaps away depression in real-time

Brain implant allows mind control of computers in first human trials

Human trials for a first-of-a-kind device designed to treat the brain via electrical stimulation have brought some very promising results. Called Stentrode, the implant has the potential to treat a wide range of neurological conditions, but in these ve… Continue reading Brain implant allows mind control of computers in first human trials

Shocking Tinnitus Therapy is Music to Sufferers’ Ears

Do you suffer from tinnitus? We were surprised to learn that 15-20% of people have this condition that amounts to constant ringing in the ears. Science doesn’t fully understand the ringing part, but one possible explanation is that the brain is compensating for the frequencies it can’t hear any more. …read more

Continue reading Shocking Tinnitus Therapy is Music to Sufferers’ Ears

Landmark study finds deep brain stimulation slows Parkinson’s progression

If validated in larger studies, deep brain stimulation will become the first clinically proven therapy to slow Parkinson's disease progression

New data chronicling the long-term effects of deep brain stimulation (DBS) on early-stage Parkinson’s disease patients has found the treatment significantly slows its progression. Researchers from Vanderbilt University Medical Center suggest, if the results are validated in a large Phase 3 trial currently underway, DBS will become the first therapy clinically proven to slow the progression of this neurodegenerative disease.

Continue Reading

Category: Medical, Science

Tags: , , , , , ,

Continue reading Landmark study finds deep brain stimulation slows Parkinson’s progression

Tiny battery-free implant could stimulate neurons to treat disorders

When it comes to the treatment of certain neurological conditions, doctors are increasingly looking to battery-powered implants that stimulate parts of the brain. Now, however, scientists have developed one that’s externally powered by magnetic fields…. Continue reading Tiny battery-free implant could stimulate neurons to treat disorders