DBS "Success" story/Claire

[rayilynlee <rayilynlee@xxxxxxx>]

Claire, it really doesn't hurt, it's just scary, Ray

After Surgery, Parkinson's Patient 'Fantastic'
Medical Watch Coverage
Seema Mathur
Reporting
(CBS 42) One surgeon in town performs a cutting edge brain surgery that
promises hope to Parkinson's Disease patients.

CBS 42 has been following Austinite John Lawson, 58, as he underwent the
surgery.

Before the surgery, Lawson had bad tremors in his feet, legs and arms. He
also had what's called dyskinesia, which is uncontrolled movement. It is a
reaction to his Parkinson's medication.

About a month ago, Lawson underwent deep brain stimulation surgery. Leeds, a
type of conductor, were placed in very specific areas of Lawson's brain.

Then, he had a second surgery to place a battery back in his stomach, a sort
of brain pacemaker. The device is programmed in the doctor's office and
sends electrical signals to the leeds placed in his brain during the first
surgery.

Lawson calls the results fantastic.

About a month after the surgery, his Parkinson's symptoms are controlled.
Gone are the tremors in his hands and feet.

He can also walk without worrying about falling down and no longer needs
most of his medication.

"This is great," Lawson said. "The fact that I can get around without the
dyskinesia and the tremors is terrific for me."

Lawson and his doctor say he's close to 90-percent symptom free.

With a few more medications and brain pacemaker adjustments, his doctor
expects even more improvement.
(©MMVII, Four Points Media Group LLC. All Rights Reserved.)

Rayilyn Brown
Board Member AZNPF
Arizona Chapter National Parkinson's Foundation
rbrown@xxxxxxxxx

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