Austin doctors test new Parkinson's treatment

05:53 PM CST on Monday, February 11, 2008
http://www.kvue.com/news/local/stori....b1a960e5.html

By TOM HARRIS
KVUE News

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Two Austin physicians unveiled a machine Monday that could dramatically improve the life of people with Parkinson’s disease. It's a device that sends small electrical currents into the hands and feet of patients.

They say so far it's showing very positive results.

Austin resident Eugene Fairen suffers from Parkinson’s disease. He has trouble with his balance and his hands tremble, which makes sleeping difficult.

Fairen says he can now do things he previously was unable to do.

"I can button these two buttons today and that was a triumph. Usually my wife has to do that for me," said Fairen.

Dr. Donald Rhodes is a podiatrist who developed the machine originally for a patient who had a nerve disorder. He wondered whether it could help those with Parkinson’s disease.

They began testing it a month ago.

Once a day, patients use his machine to send electrical currents into their bodies.

"It's done through electrodes on the hands and feet, and it stimulates acupuncture points and reflexology points, as well as free nerve endings," said Dr. Rhodes.

Dr. Rob Izor is the Austin neurologist who oversees the tests. He says all five of their patients have shown progress.

"Whenever you hear that something is too good to be true, it probably is, but I am cautiously optimistic that this study has evidence of a trend for therapeutic effect," said Izor.

Another patient with a disease called dystonia, a form of Parkinson’s, says the treatment has also brought out really good results for her.

"It's effective for me I found a difference and that's all I can say," said Candyce Drum, dystonia patient.

Doctors Izor and Rhodes say more research is needed before their machine will be available to the public.