Digging deep
For the first time, scientists have used a technique called deep brain stimulation to successfully treat a patient with brain damage. Doctors implanted electrodes deep in his brain and restored his ability to speak and move.
Deep brain stimulation itself is not new, however. 'It's already routinely used to treat patients with Parkinson's disease,' explains neurosurgeon Ali Rezai from the Cleveland Clinic. Scientists are also investigating whether it can treat epilepsy, depression and several other conditions. So what does the surgery involve?
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The surgery to insert the electrodes causes little damage to the brain.
Image: Cleveland Clinic |
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