Electrical stimuli relieve involuntary shaking
This article was originally published in Clinica
Executive Summary
Electrical stimulation of the brain can significantly relieve persistent shaking in conditions such as Parkinson's disease. Some 300 patients have been successfully treated in Europe since 1989, says Arzte Zeitung. The procedure, which is carried out under local anaesthetic, involves the insertion of an electrode into the brain. Correct positioning is established through X-ray and the electrode is then secured to the skull. A connecting wire is inserted under the skin leading to the pulse generator which is implanted pectorally. The stimuli affect the nerve centre which gives the signals for muscle tremors.