Some people with Parkinson's disease may benefit from brain surgery, new research suggests.
A study in the Lancet Neurology journal found that deep brain stimulation (DBS) brought about improved quality of life for many patients.
The ten-year trial, which was part-funded by the charity Parkinson's UK, involved 366 people with advanced disease, half of whom received surgery and medication while the other half just received drugs.
Researchers found that, 12 months after surgery, patients reported greater improvements in their quality of life and motor function than those who had been treated with medication alone.
Dr Kieran Breen, director of research and development at Parkinson's UK, commented: 'It's clear from these results that deep brain stimulation works and, for the majority of people with Parkinson's who are suitable, it's certainly more effective than medication alone.'
About one in every 500 people in the UK has Parkinson's, which is a progressive neurological condition that tends to affect the over-50s.