Brain implant that works better than medication brings hope to thousands of Parkinson's sufferers

Deep brain stimulation using an electrical implant works better than drugs alone in earlier stages of disease Quality of life can improve by up to 26 per cent after op Speech and walking improved by average of 30 per cent

By Jenny Hope

PUBLISHED: 05:28 EST, 18 February 2013 | UPDATED: 05:41 EST, 18 February 2013

A new highly accurate form of brain surgery could bring hope to thousands of Parkinson's sufferers.

A two-year trial shows deep brain stimulation using an electrical implant works better than drugs alone at a much earlier stage in the disease than previously found.

There was a 26 per cent improvement in the quality of life for patients after surgery, compared with no improvement for those on drugs alone.

Those who had the brain surgery took less medication and had fewer drug-related complications

Coordination improved by 50 per cent, while activities such as speech, handwriting, dressing and walking improved by 30 per cent for those having the operation.

They also took less medication and had fewer drug-related complications, while those on drugs alone had to increase the dose.

The latest trial involving 251 patients in France and Germany gave deep brain stimulation to people who had suffered Parkinsons for around seven years.

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Brain implant that works better than medication brings hope to thousands of Parkinson's sufferers