Deep brain stimulation slows progression of Parkinson's disease in animal models

Researchers at the Neuroscience Institute at the University of Cincinnati and University Hospital showed that DBS not only alleviates symptoms of Parkinson's disease, but also delayes disease progression. In DBS, high-frequency stimulating electrodes can promote the release of specific neurotrophic factor, which prevents the death of dopamine-producing cells in the brain.

Please refer to the original article by clicking on the link below.

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/09/080902171151.htm

Neurosurgery at Children's Hospital

The Institutional Review Board (IRB) has approved Children's Hospital as a second performance site to treat people suffering dystonia with the Humanitarian Use Device, known as Medtronic Active® Dystonia Therapy, an FDA-approved under Humanitarian Device Exemption (HDE).
Dr. Richter will be performing a DBS on a patient suffering severe dystonia at Children's Hospital in the near future.

Mold-induced seizures?

"Mold" is the common term for multicellular fungi that grow in a mat. Generally, they are not pathogenic to immunocompetent patients. Molds may negatively affect humans through developing the following processes: allergy, infection, and toxicity. Allergic response to indoor molds is mediated via production of specific molecules, called immunoglobulins, and is associated with development of atopic reactions, such as atopic asthma, rhinitis, and dermatitis. Other uncommon allergic reactions include bronchopulmonary aspergillosis and allergic sinusitis. Infections are potentially dangerous for individuals with weak immune system, such as cancer patients, AIDS, etc. In addition, molds are capable of producing mycotoxins. In fact, an inhalation exposure or eating moldy foods may adversely affect health. It is commonly referred as organic dust toxic syndrome which is characterized by a flu-like symptoms. Interestingly, sick building syndrome is a set of symptoms that seems to be linked to occupancy in a building. While specific causes of this syndrome remain unknown, some believe that mold contamination may be contributing factor. A critical review of literature, including a case-control study, did not show any significant correlation between exposure to mycotoxins and human disease. To address the indoor mold-induced seizure, a case control study would be needed.

A new hope for patients suffering from obsessive-compulsive disorder

The U.S FDA gave its approval for Reclaim™ Deep Brain Stimulation under a Humanitarian Device Exemption. An Humanitarian use device is a device that is intended to benefit patients by treaing a disease that affects fewer than 4,000 individuals in the U.S. per year. 
OCD is an anxiety disorder characterized by unwanted thoughts and repetitive behaviors. The DBS of specific area of the brain, called ventral striatum,  may offer therapeutic promise for alleviating symptoms of OCD.
Dr Richter has  initiated approval process for performing this procedure at WJMC.

Neuromodulation for Dystonia

The U.S. Food and Drug administration approved a Humanitarian Device Exemption for Activa® Deep Brain Stimulation for Dystonia. Dr. Richter has received an approval for the clinical use of the device in Louisiana, West Jefferson Medical Center, in particular. The first patient with severe form of dystonia will undergo the procedure in the near future.

Dystonia is a disorder characterized by involuntary spasms and muscle contractions. It is estimated to affect approximately 250,000 Americans. Currently medical treatment and various surgical procedures are available to relieve symptoms. However, the cure has yet to be found. Deep brain stimualtion gives new hope to sufferers of dystonia. The procedure involves the implantation of an electrode that delivers electrical impulses to specific areas of the brain. With neuromodulation, abnormal signals from nerve cells go away.

If you are interested in getting more information about the procedure and would like to get an opinion as to whether you may potentially be a candidate fir surgery, just call our office and make an appointment with Dr. Erich Richter.

Dr. Richter visits the Westwego Rotary

Dr. Richter recently presented an overview of new programs and community partnerships that LSU neurosurgery is bringing to the New Orleans area. He highlighted the new Movement Disorders and Deep Brain Stimulation Programs at West Jefferson Hospital, the Epilepsy Unit, which completes the only level 4 Epilepsy Center in the state, and the complex pain surgery program, which complements the existing pain services throughout the region.

If you would be interested in having an LSU faculty member speak to your community group, let us know!

CNN gives other doctor's and researcher's opinions on DBS surgery for treatment of PD

In this artcle, CNN discusses the largest study (led by Frances Weaver, Ph.D., director of the Center for Management of Complex Chronic Care at the Hines VA Hospital, in Hines, Illinois) that has been done on deep brain stimulation surgery for the treatment of Parkinson's disease.

Other researchers and doctors agree that this treatment option looks very promising.

http://www.cnn.com/2009/HEALTH/01/06/parkinsons.deep.brain.stimulation/