Andres Lozano: Parkinson's, depression and the switch that might turn them off

Deep brain stimulation is becoming very precise. This technique allows surgeons to place electrodes in almost any area of the brain, and turn them up or down -- like a radio dial or thermostat -- to correct dysfunction. A dramatic look at emerging techniques, in which a woman with Parkinson's instantly stops shaking and brain areas eroded by Alzheimer's are brought back to life. (Filmed at TEDxCaltech.)

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[FPSDJ]

My father has parkinson's and he had this implant a couple years ago I can tell you it is life changing. I cant even start to describe how wonderfull works, it is unimaginable. My father couldn't stop moving because of the dicease after the surgery he was a regular guy just standing there, reading the newspaper or playing with his grandaughters. I am in tears right now, but tears of joy because I got my Dad back. Please share this video, this is the answer of many people prayers.

[Redflowers]

These are HUGE problems and yet, they're being quickly treated all of a sudden. I have nothing but respect and awe.

[squamish]

The next step will be non-invasive methods of achieving the same results, which there is good evidence that we can do via focussed electrical or ultrasonic stimulation, and then of course regenerating brain tissue or permanently rerouting brain circuitry to remove the need for continual stimulation altogether.

[JoshHennings]

With all of the negative things happening in the world, this is truly uplifting to see.

[everburningblue]

I cried watching this and applauded from home.

[Primalxbeast]

I don't appreciate people belittling research that could be my only chance for relief from decades of suffering, and has already been used to reduce the suffering of others.
It must be nice not to know what it's like to suffer from a chronic debilitating illness.

[davidca]

My Wife had this procedure done twice, a year apart. The First went well .The second surgery was done by a different Dr. and turned out to be a nightmare. The 2nd probe struck and cut a small artery which caused a stroke. She needed immediate surgery to remove the probe and the pressure the blood was causing. She nearly died. The first probe was able to remain which still is functional. It has been a year now, She has some brain damage due to the stroke but she is getting better each day.

[josephmcdaniel]

what happens with the woman with parkinsons and the boy with distonia is just amazing... I can't even wrap my mind around the fact that is about to be available to everyone with these horrible conditions! simply amazing!

[Muuip]

I was lucky enough to be allowed to witness this operation and the improvement it provided on the patient. It wasn't as abvious as the 2 patients shown here but there was definitly an improvment.
Nowadays I am learning the effect of electricity on the Action Potential of the Neurons, as well as glycolisis(sugar) providing energy to the ATP pumps of the Neurons.

The understanding of how the brain works brings hope of curing diseases like depression, epilepsy and others.

[RainDancer]

Society has bastardized the term "depression" you are reffering to sadness, which is an emotion that people do recover from with love and support. Clinical depression is a medical condition that does exactly what he says it does, it inhibits a person's motivation and positive moods, and, most importantly, requires far more than a hug to overcome. He's helping people to live normal, happy lives.
He's not turning off our love for one another, just helping us move on before chronic grief sets in.

[Kongolox]

Amazing!!
i really hope that this treatment will be available everywhere..

[natushkatzm]

This is all good, but to be correct this is the answer of many people working their asses off in labs and surgeries, including the speaker.
Wonderful talk indeed.

[mosteanuv]

Amazing how some people among us can be so special and push our race forward while the rest of us fight for more money, oil, better car ....

[yztyzt]

It used to be said that neurologist knew everything thing, but could do nothing, while surgeons do everything but know nothing. Internists do everything and know everything. But, now it is finally a day where neurologists know things and can do things! wow! This is great.

[menshe]

This is AMAZING...exciting progress...over simplified or not...it certainly beats supporting the pharmaceutical business...launching countless 'news drugs' prior to fully understanding the long term effects - using people as guinea pigs - causing more harm than good. Thank you Dr Andrea Lozano for this powerful insight into this fine work.

[ghafarfoladi]

At least 8600 people are lucky to find that they are amazingly lucky to be able to understand this work and to one day maybe able to benefit from it.

[addjewelry]

I feel for you, Citygal. I hope you find some answers. Relief will be sweet when you get it. So nice that you've been clean for so long.

[rajam]

Great explanation, prayers for the parents who can't afford such surgery/procedure for their children facing those problems.

[societemarocainedeneurophy]

excellent neurosurgeon around the world and his department is the best too. All the success for them.

[magnira]

This is amazing. I'm wondering if you're also working on making three procedure less invasive? The electrodes look huge.