A British woman suffering from Parkinson's disease played her clarinet while undergoing brain surgery — a rare moment that allowed doctors to see and hear the results of the procedure immediately.
Denise Bacon, 65, experienced immediate improvement in her finger movements as surgeons stimulated her brain with electrical current. A former speech and language therapist, she underwent the Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) procedure after years of symptoms such as slow movements and muscle stiffness.
Bacon was diagnosed with Parkinson's in 2014 — a disease that had affected her ability to walk, swim, dance and, most of all, play the clarinet, her decades-long passion.
During the four-hour procedure at King's College Hospital in London, Denise remained awake the entire time. She received only local anesthesia to numb her skin and skull so that doctors could monitor her reactions in real time.
The surgeon who led the operation, Professor Keyoumars Ashkan, explained that "holes half the size of a fivepence coin were made in Denise's skull, after a frame with precise coordinates was placed on her head to accurately guide the implantation of electrodes in the targeted areas of the brain."
"After the electrodes were placed on the left side of the brain, an immediate improvement in the movements of the right hand was observed. The same thing happened on the left, after the electrodes were placed on the right side of the brain," he added.
Since Denise was a passionate clarinetist, doctors suggested she take her clarinet with her to the operating room to see if the procedure would improve her ability to play.
"We saw an immediate improvement in her hand movements – and therefore her ability to play – as soon as the brain stimulation was applied," said Professor Ashkan.
Denise Bacon, from Crowborough, East Sussex, had been a member of the East Grinstead Concert Band but was forced to stop five years ago due to symptoms of the disease.
She says: “I clearly remember the moment my right hand started moving more freely as soon as the stimulation was activated. It was an incredible feeling – I felt like I could play my clarinet again. I am already feeling improvements in my walking, and I can’t wait to get back to swimming and dancing to see how much I have improved.”
The patient has chosen a rechargeable battery for the pulse generator implanted in her chest, which can last up to 20 years before requiring replacement. The device monitors brain activity and can automatically adjust electrical stimulation as needed.
Professor Ashkan emphasized that:
“Deep brain stimulation is one of the most effective and long-lasting therapies for controlling the motor symptoms of Parkinson’s, improving tremors, rigidity and slowing of movements. Modern advances in DBS technology now allow us to personalize treatment to each patient’s needs, with a major positive impact on their quality of life.”
Meanwhile, Dr. Katherine Fletcher from Parkinson's UK, said:
“Deep Brain Stimulation gives people living with Parkinson’s better control of their symptoms, especially when medications are no longer as effective. It’s wonderful to hear stories like Denise’s, who thanks to this treatment, is regaining the ability to do the things she loves.”
"We at Parkinson's UK are proud to have contributed to the development of DBS and will continue to fund research to further improve this life-saving therapy." /GazetaExpress/
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