Joseph J. Frank, MS, MPH Regional Hospital President, East Region | Penn State Health
Joseph J. Frank, MS, MPH Regional Hospital President, East Region | Penn State Health
Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center has initiated a new Parkinson’s disease treatment, marking it as the first in Pennsylvania to offer the BrainSense adaptive deep brain stimulation (aDBS). The procedure makes Hershey Medical Center one of only 23 hospitals nationwide providing this advanced technology.
BrainSense aDBS is the inaugural deep brain stimulation system designed to continuously monitor brain activity and automatically adjust stimulation in real-time. The system promises enhanced symptom control and fewer side effects, potentially improving life quality for patients.
"This new technology allows for much more individualized treatment," explained Dr. Sol De Jesus, movement disorder neurologist and co-director of the Penn State Health Deep Brain Stimulation Program. "It enhances an already effective therapy by offering new insights into an individual’s evolving symptoms, potentially reducing the need for manual adjustments."
Hershey Medical Center has been utilizing deep brain stimulation for neurological disorders since 2004. The method involves placing a neurostimulator under the skin, which transmits electrical signals to specific brain regions via implanted leads to help block abnormal nerve activity associated with Parkinson's symptoms.
In 2020, the medical center adopted the Percept PC Neurostimulator. The introduction of BrainSense aDBS represents an advancement of this technology, equipping the existing Percept device with adaptive capabilities. Both devices developed by Medtronic are accessible to current Percept users and new DBS-eligible Parkinson’s patients.
"This technology represents a major step forward for Parkinson’s treatment," noted Dr. James McInerney, neurosurgeon and co-director of the Deep Brain Stimulation Program. "Patients no longer have to wait for manual adjustments or worry about symptom fluctuations throughout the day."
The Milton S. Hershey Medical Center offers this program as part of the specialized resources of the Penn State Neuroscience Institute. The institute integrates research, education, outreach, and healthcare delivery, promoting cooperation across these domains for improved patient outcomes.
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