Parkinson's patient plays clarinet during brain surgery for doctors to observe the immediate effect of intervention

Denise Bacon, 65, experienced immediate improvement in her finger movements while surgeons stimulated her electrical brain. Former dialogues and speech therapists, she underwent deep brain simulation procedure (Deep Brain Simulation DBS) after many years of symptoms such as slowing motions and muscular rigidity.

Bacon was diagnosed with Parkinson's in 2014 a disease that had affected her ability to walk, swim, dance, and, above all, play clarinet, her passion for decades.

During the four-hour intervention at King's College Hospital in London, Denise stayed up all the time. She took only local anesthesia for numbing her skin and skull so that doctors could monitor her reactions in real time.

VIDEOS

The surgeon who led the operation, Professor Keyoummars Ashkaan, explained that “in Denise's skull became holes half the size of a five - penny coin, after a frame of precise coordinates was placed on her head to accurately run electrodes into target areas of the brain”.

“Once the electrodes were placed on the left side of the brain, the improvement of right hand movements was immediately noticed. The same 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 that she take the clarinet to the operating room to see if the procedure would improve her ability to play.

“We saw an immediate improvement in the movements of her hands ) and therefore in the ability to play ʹ once brain simulation was applied,” Professor Ashkan said.

Denise Bacon, from Crowborough, East Sussex, had been a member of East Greenstad Concert Band, but was forced to stop five years ago because of symptoms of the disease.

It says: “I remember clearly the moment when the right hand began moving more freely once the simulation was activated. It was an incredible feeling I felt I could play my clarinet again. I'm already feeling improvements in walking, and I can't wait to go back to swimming and dancing to see how far I've come. ”

The patient has selected a recharged battery for the impulse generator that has been implanted into her chest, which can last up to 20 years before it requires replacement. The device monitors brain activity and can automatically regulate electrical stimulus as needed.

Professor Ashkan pointed out:

“Deep brain simulation is one of the most effective and long-term therapies for controlling Parkinson's motor symptoms, improving shaking, rigidity, and slow motions. Modern Progress in Technology The DBS now allows us to personalize treatment according to the needs of each patient, with great positive impact on the quality of their lives. ”

Meanwhile, Dr. Katherine Fletcher from the organisation “Parkinson) UK”, said:

Deep brain simulation gives those who live with Parkinson better control of symptoms, especially when drugs are no longer effective. It is wonderful to hear stories like that of Denise, who, thanks to this treatment, is regaining the ability to do the things she wants.”

We are proud to have contributed to the development of the DBS and will continue to finance research to further improve this vital therapy. ”