Study explores deep brain stimulation for stroke patients

Someone suffers a stroke every 40 seconds in the United States, which can lead to a long-term disability. One study is exploring the use of deep brain stimulation to help those who’ve suffered a stroke recover.

Phase one of the trial involved 12 stroke patients suffering from moderate to severe muscle weakness on one side of their body.

Each person underwent deep brain stimulation surgery, which involved implanting electrodes into part of the brain, according to the doctor leading the research. These were used to deliver electric pulses to help regain control of movements.

The most significant improvements were noted with deep brain stimulation turned on, and nine out of 12 people in the trial improved motor impairment and function, according to the leading researcher.