A complicated and risky procedure, which nonetheless shows great promise in the treatment of movement disorders, may gain a little help. Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) relies on the insertion of electrodes deep into the brain to treat such disorders at Parkinson's, multiple sclerosis, and obsessive-compulsive disorder.Therefore, a group of electrical engineers at Vanderbilt University has developed a technique to automate the identification of where to place these electrodes in the brain. I mean, it's not as if surgeons have a well-lighted area to work with, nor a roadmap. This new technology is more reliable than neurosurgery, and reduces the risks associated with poking and prodding around multiple times, which can lead to permanent brain damage.
