Treating Parkinson’s: New Spinal Device Shows Promise

An experimental spinal neuroprosthesis device shows promising results in helping walk properly, giving hope to people with Parkinson’s disease to regain mobility, independence, and freedom.

“This is really a fascinating study that aims to improve a difficult symptom of Parkinson’s disease by using advanced technology,” says Dr. Jean-Philippe Langevin, a neurosurgeon with Pacific Neuroscience Institute. “I think that these findings are really promising and open the door to a potential new strategy to treat Parkinson’s disease.”

The research was funded partly by The Michael J. Fox Foundation and ONWARD Medical. Parkinson’s disease creates a locomotor deficit since there is a degeneration of neurons; the commands are being sent, but they are abnormal. The device is implanted via a surgical procedure. It detects brain signals and sends a signal to the device, activating the spinal cord’s relevant region to assist with movement. Two patients dealing with Parkinson’s disease have begun the therapy. Even though it isn’t complicated or invasive, this therapy isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach. MRIs are required before surgery, and after, the 15 electrodes need to be sorted out. More testing and research need to be done for the implants to become a widely available therapy for people with Parkinson’s disease.