Surgeons utilise breakthrough procedure to help relieve Parkinson's symptoms

A 65-year-old man is only the third patient in Australia to undergo a breakthrough treatment to improve the lives of people with Parkinson’s disease.

Surgeons have planted two electrical leads deep inside Bob Murray’s brain.

The leads carry impulses to help target the most severe symptoms.

Deep brain stimulation expert professor Jens Volkmann said the device worked in a similar way to a lighthouse.

“We can beam current in specific directions,” he said.

“360 degrees and around the electrode.”

In the past, implants delivered a spherical electrical field which doctors couldn’t steer, but the leads allow specialists to now target the current exactly where they want it.

Mr Murray said it’s a “whole new ball game” for him after living with the disease for 10 years and within minutes his symptoms eased.

“The walking’s easier, the shaking is less,” he said.

“Just to go out for a meal with my wife, go to the movies, just everyday things you take for granted.”