US patient ‘happy again’ after brain implant treats epilepsy and OCD

Amber Pearson, who received a brain implant to treat her epilepsy and Obsessive Compulsive disorder (OCD), shows the approximate placement of a brain implant received at the Oregon Health and Science University (OHSU) hospital in Portland, Oregon – Copyright AFP Patrick T. Fallon

Romain FONSEGRIVES

American Amber Pearson used to wash her hands until they bled, terrified by the idea of contamination from everyday items, a debilitating result of her obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD).

But the repetitive rituals of her condition are largely consigned to memory, thanks to a revolutionary brain implant that is being used to treat both her epilepsy and her OCD.

“I’m actually present in my daily life and that’s incredible,” the 34-year-old told AFP.

“Before, I was just constantly in my head worrying about my compulsions.”

Brain implants have hit the headlines r