Brain implant helps reverse symptoms of Parkinson’s in first patient to receive the treatment
Human brain with an implanted chip. 3D render.
A Parkinson’s patient has had his symptoms reversed by a tiny device implanted into his brain.
Tony Howells, the first person to receive the treatment in a trial, said the impact was ‘amazing’.
Southmead Hospital in Bristol is believed to be the first in the world to implant the tiny deep brain stimulation (DBS) device.
Tony Howells, a Parkinson’s patient has had his symptoms reversed by a device implanted into his brain. Mr Howells, pictured, had the device implanted in 2019. He told the BBC that before the operation, he tried to go for a Boxing Day walk but could only get 200 yards from the car. 12 months later, he went on Boxing Day again and went for 2.5 miles. ‘It was amazing,’ he said
It works by delivering electrical impulses to damaged areas of the brain.
Mr Howells, pictured, had the device implanted in 2019. He told the BBC that before the operation, he tried to go for a Boxing Day walk but could only get 200 yards from the car.
‘Then after the operation, which was 12 months later, I went on Boxing Day again and we went for 2.5 miles,’ he said. ‘It was amazing.’
There is no cure for Parkinson’s disease, which is a long-term degenerative disorder of the nervous system.