Deep-brain stimulation, a technique that has shown promise in treating mental disorders as well as Parkinson’s disease, may also help severe and enduring anorexia, a small, early-stage study suggests. The main goal of the six-patient study was to see whether the pacemaker-like device, made by Medtronic Inc. (MDT), could be implanted safely. While one patient suffered a seizure two weeks after the procedure, at least half of those who received the implant showed improvements in mood and body mass, according to the findings published today in The Lancet medical journal.
