February 24, 2023 – In a clinical trial, a procedure that uses ultrasound without incisions successfully reduced a side effect of Parkinson's treatments called dyskinesia, an involuntary movement of the body. The ultrasound also improved motor impairments in individuals with Parkinson's disease.
The procedure utilized in the study is known as focused ultrasound ablation, and it's different from using ultrasound for imaging purposes. Instead, focused ultrasound ablation is like using a magnifying glass to focus sunlight on a goal. The ultrasound wavelengths can specifically goal, heat, and destroy body tissue. In the Parkinson's procedure, the goal was the brain.
“Focused ultrasound is an exciting new treatment for patients with certain neurological diseases,” said researcher Vibhor Krishna, MD, associate professor of neurosurgery on the UNC School of Medicine, in a opinion“No incisions are made during the procedure, which eliminates the risks associated with surgery. Using focused ultrasound, we can target a specific area of the brain and safely remove the diseased tissue.”
The study was published this week in The New England Journal of MedicineA complete of 94 patients were randomly assigned to receive either treatment or a sham treatment, which served as a control group. After 3 months, 69% of the treated patients showed improvement.
Parkinson's is a brain disease that destroys the brain cells that produce dopamine, which helps coordinate body movements. Dyskinesias are common when Parkinson's treatments aim to regulate the common symptoms of the underlying disease, reminiscent of tremors, slowness, stiffness and balance problems.
“Stress or excitement can also cause dyskinesia,” says information in regards to the disorder of The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson Research“Many people say they prefer dyskinesia to stiffness or limited mobility. However, others experience painful dyskinesia or movements that hinder them from exercising or engaging in social or daily activities.”
The foundation estimates that just about a million people within the United States suffer from Parkinson's, a progressive disease for which there isn’t a cure.