Non-invasive brain stimulation helps to ease tremors

A team involving UCL researchers have used electrical pulses to help suppress the tremors typically found in conditions such as Parkinson's disease. In a paper published , the scientists report their new way of suppressing the brain waves underpinning tremors, without the need for invasive techniques. Joint first author of the paper, Dr Sebastian Schreglmann (UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology) said: "Tremor is a very debilitating symptom in some of our patients. Unfortunately, currently available treatments provide relief only in a proportion but not all patients. We hope that if our new technique proves successful in larger trials, it could be developed into a safe and effective therapy for more of our patients." Tremors, a common feature in a range of neurological conditions, can be severely disabling, causing involuntary shakes affecting the hands, head, legs or other body parts. The movements are thought to be the result of rogue brain waves - or aberrant oscillations - in regions associated with motor functions. But their underlying cause is still largely unknown, making it difficult to treat symptoms with drugs.