A surgical procedure that may help facilitate a return to a more “normal” life for advanced Parkinson’s disease sufferers is being offered at the Central California Neurosciences Center at Doctors Medical Center in Modesto.
Margaret Soto of Merced, 69, said the deep brain stimulation surgery she recently received from Dr. Benjamin Remington has transformed her life. Before the surgery at DMC, Soto suffered from the severe shaking and tremors of advanced Parkinson’s.
“I was incapacitated in the sense I couldn’t bathe myself or feed myself, or do anything for myself, or walk at all,” Soto said about her pre-surgery condition. “It was very hard on my husband. He had to do everything for me.”
Soto’s quality of life returned after the deep brain stimulation surgery. “I can get around myself with my walker at home,” she said. “I can bathe myself with a little help from someone to get me into the tub.
“I can feed myself. I can get out of bed myself. “It’s really been a tremendous help,” she added.
Deep brain stimulation uses a surgically implanted medical device, which often is referred to as the “brain pacemaker” because it uses similar technology. It delivers controlled electrical stimulation to precisely targeted areas within the brain. Stimulation of these areas block the brain signals that upset motor symptoms associated with Parkinson’s.
Before DMC made the financial investment in specialized equipment to be able to do the surgery, Central Valley patients would leave the area for treatment.
“We’re providing a real service to people in the valley,” Dr. Remington said. “DMC is one of seven Northern California hospitals who’ve made the commitment in neuroscience by providing care for Parkinson’s, essential tremor and dystonia.”
Readers wishing to receive additional information on the procedure can call 1.888.284.6641.