Parkinson's patients get bilateral benefits with unilateral ...( ere are side effects associated with ST...),Health

ere are side effects associated with STN stimulation, such as depression and a decrease in working memory, that haven't been found with GPi. Given that evidence and our latest study, we think the current bias towards STN stimulation needs to be reexamined."

For patients, the effects of the stimulators are life changing. Study participant Joel Moss was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in 1985. He had his first implant, on the left side of this brain, in 1999. He was not told whether he is receiving STN or GPi stimulation so he can continue to participate in clinical studies.

"The pain went away instantly. The tremors aren't even in existence any more and my balance is good enough to allow me to run," said Moss. "With the stim on you can be close to normal. With it off, you can be close to vegetative."

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Contact: David Terraso
david.terraso@icpa.gatech.edu
404-385-2966
Georgia Institute of Technology
21-Oct-2004

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