Parkinson’s Patient Plays Clarinet During Brain Surgery
A remarkable event took place recently when Denise Bacon, a 65-year-old woman battling Parkinson’s Disease, played the clarinet during brain surgery. The procedure aimed to improve her motor skills, which had been severely affected by her condition.
Deep Brain Stimulation Surgery
Denise Bacon underwent a deep brain stimulation (DBS) operation at King’s College Hospital in London. This four-hour surgery was designed to alleviate her Parkinson’s symptoms and enhance her quality of life.
A Unique Approach to Surgery
During the operation, which required her to remain awake, Bacon played the clarinet continuously. This was not just a whimsical choice; her music aided the surgical team in optimizing the placement of electrodes deep within her brain.
- Patient: Denise Bacon
- Age: 65
- Condition: Parkinson’s Disease
- Location: King’s College Hospital, London
- Procedure: Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS)
- Duration: 4 hours
- Neurosurgeon: Professor Keyoumars Ashkan
Impressive Outcomes
After the surgery, Bacon expressed her elation. She noted that it felt “just amazing” to see her fingers moving “better and faster” while playing her instrument. This emotional response highlights the surgery’s success and its potential benefits for others with similar diagnoses.
Through innovative techniques like playing a musical instrument during surgery, medical professionals are discovering new ways to enhance patient outcomes in deep brain stimulation treatments.
