Targeted stimulation of areas of the brain could provide relief for patients whose severe depression is unresponsive to other treatments.
A tiny “brain pacemaker” is implanted under the patient’s clavicle, allowing doctors to control electrodes implanted in the brain.
The technique, developed by physicians at the University of Bonn and colleagues in the United States, was devised for Parkinson’s patients but now raises hopes for significantly improving conditions for the severely depressed.
Source: University of Bonn, www.uni-bonn.de.