Global Health Resource Provides Deep Brain Stimulation for Patients with Parkinson's Disease

Online, October 26, 2010 (Newswire.com) - Global Health Resource Provides Deep Brain Stimulation for Patients with Parkinson's Disease
Frankfurt, Germany (June 19, 2010) - Global Health Resource has just teamed up with a neurosurgical group to offer deep brain stimulation surgery (DBS) to patients with Parkinson's disease.
The CEO, Mr. Daniel Beyer, made the following comment: "Many patients with Parkinson's disease can increase their quality of life by having DBS. Unfortunately, the costs for this procedure are often beyond what most people can afford. Our partners can perform this operation at a fraction of the normal cost. DBS surgery in the USA can cost more than $100 000. Our team uses the same materials, but can perform the procedure at an internationally accredited facility for under $40 000. "
Parkinson's disease is caused by a malfunction of a structure in the brain called the Subthalmic Nucleus (STN). This area contains about half a million specialized nerve cells. The aim of the operation is to disable the nerve cells in this area without destroying them. The surgical procedure, known as Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS), involves placing the electrodes in the brain and connecting it to a battery powered stimulator placed near the patient's collar bone. The abnormal nerve cells in the brain (STN) can then be silenced by an electric current sent along the electrode (maximum current allowed 3.5v). The current can be adjusted to suit the needs of the patient; turning off the current reverses the effects - a major advantage of the DBS treatment. The operation is highly complex and involves computer imaging to guide the electrodes to the correct site.
Mr. Beyer explained "Global Health Resource has a team of some of the top active clinicians in their field and this is the case for our DBS team. They have performed this procedure hundreds of times and they really know what they are doing. What amazed me is that the patient is awake for most of the operation. The actual inserting of the electrodes is painless, only a local anesthetic is required while piercing the skin. During the surgery, the patient has to perform certain movements and tasks to ensure that the electrodes are in the right place. Once everything is set, the patient is put to sleep to channel the wires and insert the stimulator device next to the collar bone."
"DBS is not a cure for Parkinson's disease, but it is used to control the over movement and shaking often seen in these patients. Some patients still need to take medication after the surgery, but this amount is greatly reduced. Also the muscle spasms and tightness related to Parkinson's disease is reduced to a minimum."
Mr. Beyer added "Global Health Resource is committed to making great medicine available to anyone who needs it. I hope that we can help many Parkinson patients to return to a relatively normal life."
To find out more please visit www.globalhealthresource.org or contact
Daniel Beyer at [email protected], Tel: +49 17662336227.