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What Is Deep Brain Stimulation, and Why Does It Work for Parkinson's?

Deep brain stimulation is exactly what it sounds like — a pacemaker-like implant delivers electricity to misfiring brain cells. Scientists are only beginning to tap into its potential for treating puzzling brain conditions.

Credit: Teeradej/Shutterstock

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Michael Lock was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease nearly two decades ago. It was a gradual progression that the Crown Point, Indiana resident was able to keep at bay by taking a medley of medications, but his condition started to worsen over the past five years.

The disease began to rob him of his mobility as time went on. His cocktail of pills — Rytary, Amantadine and Sinemet — were only effective for a short interval during the day, forcing him to depend on a walker the rest of the time. Once his condition progressed further, it became hard for him to stand up or walk.

“I couldn’t pick up my grandkids because I was afraid that I was going to fall over. They’d come up to me and say, ‘Hey, Grandpa, give me a hug!’ but I couldn’t do it. It was very difficult,” Lock, 64, says. “I realized this ...

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