Doctors hail a breakthrough in the fight against Parkinson’s: treatment developed by Scottish university is praised as a ‘miracle’ by the patient in the lawsuit

Parkinson’s patients have been given hope of regaining their independence after a procedure to prevent tremors was carried out for the first time in Scotland.

Ultrasound thalamotomy, a non-invasive procedure that allows people living with the disease to control their movements, was carried out earlier this month by a team from the University of Dundee’s School of Medicine.

The international clinical trial was hailed as a ‘milestone for Scottish medicine’ by university clinicians and a ‘miracle’ by the patients who benefited from it.

It has been carried out elsewhere in Parkinson’s patients, but on a limited scale because the technology is not widely available, and has been carried out in Scotland in recent years on 60 patients with essential tremor disorder.

Uncontrollable tremors are a symptom of Parkinson’s disease, an incurable disease, and are caused by decreased dopamine levels in the brain.

The incision-free procedure uses high-intensity focused ultrasound to create a lesion in a part of the brain known as the thalamus, which controls a person’s movements.

Ian Keir, 63, from Carnoustie, Angus, underwent the procedure this month and said he has regained his independence.

The retired firefighter was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2018 after suffering from tremors in his right hand for two years, and said the condition left him dependent on his wife for daily tasks – but he can now write and exercise again cutting your own food.

Mr Keir said: ‘It was very innocent at first but it was out of my control. From my research I had a feeling it was Parkinson’s.

‘Over the years my tremors became significantly worse. It was incredibly frustrating: I had to learn to eat with just a fork. Fortunately, my wife is very understanding and has been a great support to me.

‘My handwriting was virtually illegible – the vibrations affected my right hand, but I never really mastered writing with my left hand.

‘It feels like a miracle. My tremors have completely disappeared; it’s like I never had them. I can now do exactly what I could do before.

‘I can pour a jug of water, my handwriting is back and I can now do things without thinking about them beforehand. Now I can cut my own food. I was nervous, of course, but the improvement was almost immediate.

‘Although I know this is not a cure for Parkinson’s disease, it is a cure for some of my symptoms. I’m so grateful and just want to make the most of every day.”

Comedian Sir Billy Connolly, 81, was diagnosed with the degenerative condition ten years ago.

The university is one of the world’s leading centers for Parkinson’s disease research.

Dr Tom Gilbertson, consultant neurologist and honorary senior lecturer, said: ‘This is a landmark event for Scottish medicine.

‘We have already witnessed the transformative impact that similar procedures have for patients living with essential tremor, so it is a huge privilege to be able to replicate that for people with Parkinson’s – who may never have dreamed of having such control over their movements.

‘We are very experienced in performing thalamotomy, having worked with patients with essential tremor for many years.

‘However, we always recognize how important what we do is and the life-changing impact it has on our patients.

‘The University is recognized worldwide as a leader in Parkinson’s disease research and occasions like these underline the progress being made in tackling this condition, which is one of the most pressing health challenges of our time.

‘Ian is proof that research done here at the university is leading to advances that can change the lives of Parkinson’s patients.’

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