In a new, ongoing trial, deep-brain stimulation – more commonly used for Parkinson’s patients – is being tested on stroke survivors. Involving the implantation of an electrode that stimulates a particular area of the brain, the anticipated response will be a reversal of the paralysis so often encountered following a stroke, and the restoration of mobility.
In order to comprehend how a stroke restricts normal brain function, Laurie Ann Bonkoski, a speech therapist, compares a stroke to a house whose front entrance has unexpectedly become obstructed by a fallen tree. In her work, she’s determined to bypass that blockage and access different paths to help bring back as much functionality to the person as possible.
To operate together with therapy to make new neural pathways, Dr. Andre Machado of the Cleveland Clinic implanted the first deep-brain stimulating electrode into a stroke patient as the initial first step in this clinical human trial. The next phase will be to switch it on, delivering the electrical impulses that he hopes will induce brain growth. Based on the results of this trial, several other conditions are lined up for similar tests. University Hospital neurosurgeon Jennifer Sweet shares, “People are studying the benefit of this for addiction; we know that it can be effective in obsessive compulsive disorder, it’s been used to treat Tourette’s; it may even be an option for anorexia or obesity or hypertension.”
Advanced Home Health Care, providers of elder care at home, will be keeping an eye on developments in this trial. Meanwhile, if you have someone you love who’s suffered a stroke, call us at 800.791.7785 for rehabilitation services in Mount Pleasant, Iowa and the surrounding communities in the counties of Des Moines, Lee, Henry, Louisa and Keokuk. We’re able to provide support in the following ways:
- Planning and preparing wholesome meals according to any prescribed dietary plan
- Assisting with light household chores and laundry
- Performing a safety analysis of the home to decrease fall risks
- Providing escorted transport to health appointments or other excursions
- Picking up prescriptions and running errands
- And much, much more
To learn more about our award-winning elder care at home, contact us online or call us at 319.753.6270 if you’re in Burlington or 319.524.2144 if you’re in Keokuk.
