FDA approves deep brain stimulation procedure for Parkinson’s

An implant device that delivers electrical stimulation to the brain has received approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of the motor complications associated with Parkinson’s disease.

The Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) Therapy from Medtronic, with U.S. headquarters in Minneapolis, has been used to treat those with advanced Parkinson’s disease since 2002, but the new FDA approval allows its use on less advanced cases and those with recent onset of motor complications.

The therapy is often used in conjunction with other treatments t achieve the best activities of daily living. “Strong clinical evidence demonstrates that, when compared to the best medical treatment alone, Medtronic DBS Therapy offers Parkinson’s patients with recent onset of motor fluctuations and dyskinesias not adequately controlled with medication a higher likelihood of symptom improvement,” notes Mahlon DeLong, MD, professor of neurology at Emory University, in a Medtronic press release.

Combining DBS therapy with other medical treatments can improve a resident’s quality of live and extend the ability to remain social and active, said Lothar Krinke, PhD, vice president and general manager of the Brian Modulation unit and Medtronic. “This approval is important because it expands the therapeutic window when patients can benefit from DBS. It can now be used sooner in the care continuum, giving patients with recent onset of motor complications another option to maintain or restore quality of life.”

Pamela Tabar

Pamela Tabar was editor-in-chief of I Advance Senior Care from 2013-2018. She has worked as a writer and editor for healthcare business media since 1998, including as News Editor of Healthcare Informatics. She has a master’s degree in journalism from Kent State University and a master’s degree in English from the University of York, England.