System that helps reduce Parkinson's disease symptoms showcased at Arab Health

A private hospital and charity in London is using iPods to help patients with Parkinson’s disease control their symptoms.

The London Clinic is using Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) to help improve patients’ quality of life. DBS is a minimally invasive procedure where electrodes are implanted into the areas of the brain that control movement. The electrodes then send electrical signals to the targeted areas to help reduce the symptoms of the disease.

Parkinson’s disease currently affects an estimated 6.9 million people around the world. The main symptoms include tremors, slow movement and stiffness. Symptoms are caused by the loss of nerve cells in the brain that produce the chemical dopamine.

The London Clinic is using the Abbott Infinity DBS System to treat Parkinson’s disease patients. Currently being showcased at Arab Health, the system uses an iPod controller that patients use to control their DBS settings.

The system can be used to help patients with certain types of chronic pain, movement disorders, tremors and epilepsy.

Speaking about the technology, Binith Cheeran, consultant neurologist, said: “Patients are carefully selected for DBS by multidisciplinary teams. Clinical nurse specialists and specialist physiotherapists also play a key role in the treatment and recovery of the patient. As the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease become harder to manage, patients are looking for ways to take back control over their lives. DBS can significantly improve a patient’s quality of life and help them reduce their medication.”