A pioneering study carried out by neurologists from Clinic of the University of Navarra has shown promising progress in the treatment of Parkinson’s using the technique HIFU (high intensity focused ultrasound).
According to the report, this technique significantly improves symptoms such as tremors, stiffness and clumsiness in movements. The study by Clínica Universidad de Navarra, published in the journal Movement disordersimplied 20 patientsshowing an improvement in 90% in the tremors and 70% in other symptoms.
THE Dr. María Cruz Rodríguez Orozdirector of the neurology department of Clinic of the University of Navarraemphasized that “the results show very significant progress which is maintained up to 12 months of follow-up”. In addition, 9 out of 10 patients They rated themselves positively, indicating improvements after six months.
He HIFU This involves the application of focused ultrasound which, thanks to magnetic resonance imaging, allows the affected areas of the brain to be visualized in real time. This allows specialists to precisely direct energy and eliminate neuronal cells responsible for the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, without resorting to invasive surgical procedures.
This treatment is mainly aimed at patients with Asymmetric Parkinson’sin which the symptoms mainly affect one side of the body.
THE Clinic of the University of Navarra It has become a reference center for this type of advanced treatments. To date, he has treated more than 400 patients suffering from Parkinson’s disease or essential tremor, positioning itself as one of the most innovative medical institutions in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. This technique, which does not require prior hospitalization, allows patients to resume their daily activities a few hours after receiving the treatment.
He HIFUIn addition, this technique has proven to be safe, since it allows side effects to be controlled through continuous monitoring throughout the procedure. MRI helps direct energy only to affected cells, avoiding damage to healthy brain tissue.
This treatment represents a major advance in neurological medicine and opens the door to future research to treat other genetic mutations associated with the disease. Parkinson’s disease. According to Dr. Rodríguez Oroz“this is only the beginning, since, in the future, we will be able to adapt this therapy to other forms of Parkinson’s and new neurodegenerative diseases.
