Zapper Device.. New Hope for Parkinson's Patients

Daily Mirror reported that Dr. Alison Yarnall, a geriatrician from Newcastle University is currently leading a 12-week trial to test the new zapper device which is considered to be revolutionary to the Parkinson's disease patients' care.

The Zapper device is designed by "gammaCore" a company that has an impressive record in treating headaches, migraines, and epilepsy) to help the Parkinson's disease patients avoid falling and stumbling.

"We hope it will improve walking," Dr. Yarnall said regarding the new device. The small handheld device sends an impulse to a nerve found in the neck that stimulates the chemical needed for balance and mobility as well as boosting the acetylcholine production and stimulating the vagus nerve that helps with balance.

"People with Parkinson's disease fear falling and reduce activity, which causes muscles to weaken and makes them more vulnerable," Yarnall explained. "This could give some of their life back."

Parkinson's disease is a brain disease that leads to shaking, stiffness, and difficulty with walking, balance, and coordination. The disease's symptom's progress gradually overtime and eventually cause people to have difficulty walking and talking.