aDBS: First Patient Treated with adaptive DBS

[Esperanto]

RTL Nieuws:

Amsterdam UMC has yesterday treated a patient with a new, 'customized' Parkinson's treatment method, making it the first in the world to do so. This was accomplished using adaptive brain stimulation, where electrodes send pulses to the brain only when the patient's brain requests it. "A very special day," says Martijn Beudel, neurologist at Amsterdam UMC.

Brain stimulation, or deep brain stimulation (DBS), as a treatment method for Parkinson's disease and other conditions, has been around for some time. The method can help reduce tremors, but it does not work for everyone and can cause side effects. This is why a new variant of the treatment method has been developed that hopefully offers a solution; adaptive DBS, or aDBS. Pulses are delivered from the electrodes only when brain activity is disrupted, and this occurs only when the brain 'requests' it.

Customized

According to Beudel, who has been researching aDBS for over 10 years, this new variant allows for the adjustment of the pulse settings "so that the stimulation adapts to the severity of the patient's symptoms." These settings are tailored to each patient, according to the neurologist. This means that individuals will not receive brain stimulation at times when it is not necessary.

In theory, patients undergoing this new treatment method could notice a difference 'very quickly.' Beudel states, "It is a method that adjusts the stimulation in periods of a few minutes." The first effects are expected to be noticeable within the first days of treatment.

First Patient

The 47-year-old patient who received the first aDBS treatment outside of a study setting yesterday had previously been treated with DBS. "However, he still experienced side effects. Therefore, we essentially gave his previously implanted system an 'update' to the adaptive system. This means he will only receive pulses from the electrodes when his brain signals indicate that this is necessary."

Here is also the English link of the message from UMC itself:

amsterdamumc.org/en/spotlig...

[TracyLaine]

is this the type of DBS that uses AI?

[Esperanto in reply to TracyLaine]

"With aDBS, the implanted electrodes continuously measure brain signals from which the severity or presence of symptoms can be inferred. Only when brain activity is disrupted do the electrodes deliver a series of pulses. This reduces symptoms and prevents individuals from receiving stimulation at times when it is not necessary," the center explains.

[MarionP]

Shades of "Terminal Man" (Michael Crighton)😑

[Esperanto in reply to MarionP]

I hope the outcome of aDBS is a bit less dramatic! 😅

[michelagvolpe]

psychiatrist.com/news/unive...

in USA on August 2024

[Esperanto in reply to michelagvolpe]

Yes, aDBS is in development everywhere! 👍 At Amsterdam UMC, they have been working on it for over 10 years, but the difference is that it is no longer just a research paper; it is now the first practical application for their patients. Although it's still on a modest scale to implement possible improvements.

If DBS becomes necessary for me in the future, the transition will be a bit easier. I found the uncertainty about the settings and potential side effects quite concerning.

[Mechjack]

This is exciting. I'm really hoping the AI revolution will get quickly applied to improving DBS. This could make a MONUMENTAL difference in treating Parkinson's and other conditions like nothing we have seen in history IMO.

[jeeves19 in reply to Mechjack]

I can’t see it. Just reading how much power we need and adjusting it sounds useful, but I can’t see how it’ll influence any symptomatic improvement

[Esperanto in reply to jeeves19]

Hi Adam, can you explain why you think aDBS might not improve symptoms? When I read this news item, I immediately thought of you. I'm not sure if DBS is currently working satisfactorily for you, but I believe there were quite a few issues with fine-tuning in the beginning?

[jeeves19 in reply to Esperanto]

Hi Esperanto. My question isn’t whether it will work (it’s done good things for me although I’d probably give it 7 out of ten) it’s more that I’m thinking just because the unit senses when more power is needed, will the patient feel any better as a result? How will adaptive dbs lessen symptoms any more efficiently than standard dbs?

[Gumm in reply to jeeves19]

I Jeeves I believe you had DBS recently. I am hoping to finally be offered the procedure tomorrow. Have you any suggestions or advice, and with these recent advances in technology, should I be inclined to wait a while? Thanks.

[jeeves19 in reply to Gumm]

I think you need the ask the question will the choice of unit allow you to access the new advances. I believe that mine can despite being fitted some 18 months ago.

[Esperanto in reply to jeeves19]

Adaptive deep brain stimulation (aDBS) is designed to modulate stimulation parameters based on real-time feedback from the patient's physiological signals—essentially tailoring treatment dynamically. In contrast, standard DBS delivers a constant electrical signal without adjustments for changes in symptoms or physiological state. Why would you prefer that anyway?

[gaga1958 in reply to Mechjack]

I heard Tass with the glove talk about this also, how with BDS constantly sending signals even when unnecessary, the pathways get tired of being on high alert. I forget the therefore part of his talk, it's been a while since I read what he said so I'm sure I'm not recalling it accurately but that's my story and I'm sticking to it lol