FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ON March 31, 2003

Parkinson's Implant Improves Quality of Life Long Term

Embargoed for meeting release until 3:00 pm HT, Mon., March 31, 2003

Honolulu, Hawaii -

Using an electrical brain stimulator can improve the quality of life for Parkinson''s disease patients long term, according to research presented during the American Academy of Neurology Annual Meeting in Honolulu, March 29-April 5, 2003. The study involved 34 patients who were followed for an average of 21.5 months after the stimulator was implanted. "These results are exciting and important because they show that not only do physicians see an improvement in the symptoms of Parkinson''''''''s disease, but the patients also report substantial improvement in their quality of life as a result of the surgery," said the study’s lead author, Kelly E. Lyons, PhD, of the University of Kansas Medical Center in Kansas City. The patients improved by an average of 22 percent on a scale rating quality of life. The areas with the most improvement include increased mobility, decreased bodily discomfort, and improvements in their ability to complete daily activities, such as getting dressed or preparing a meal. The patients also improved by an average of 38 percent on a scale measuring their motor functioning. The people with the most improvement in motor functioning were likely to have the most improvement in quality of life as well. "This is also impressive because all of these patients were receiving the optimal medical treatment prior to receiving the implant," Lyons said. The patients received the stimulation on both sides of the brain in the subthalamic nucleus area. The patients ranged from 35 to 76 years old, and had Parkinson''''''''s for more than eight years, on average. The treatment uses two surgically implanted devices, similar to cardiac pacemakers, to deliver electrical stimulation to targeted areas of the brain. Stimulation of these areas blocks the signals that cause the tremors and other motor symptoms of the disease. The study was supported in part by the Parkinson Association of Greater Kansas City and the National Parkinson Foundation.

The American Academy of Neurology is the leading voice in brain health. As the world’s largest association of neurologists and neuroscience professionals with more than 44,000 members, the AAN provides access to the latest news, science and research affecting neurology for patients, caregivers, physicians and professionals alike. The AAN’s mission is to enhance member career fulfillment and promote brain health for all. A neurologist is a doctor who specializes in the diagnosis, care and treatment of brain, spinal cord and nervous system diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, stroke, concussion, epilepsy, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, headache and migraine.

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Editor's Notes: Dr. Lyons will present the research during a poster presentation on Tues., April 1, at 5:30 p.m. in Kamehameha I and II at the Hawaii Convention Center (HCC). Dr. Lyons will be available to answer media questions during a briefing on Mon., March 31, at 3:00 p.m. in the AAN Press Room, Room 327 of the HCC. All listed times are for Hawaiian-Aleutian Standard Time (HT).