Share on Pinterest
- Non-motor symptoms like depression and anxiety often precede a Parkinson’s disease diagnosis by several years.
- At 62 years old, Veronica Brown opens up about her journey with Parkinson’s disease.
- Brown found solace in deep brain stimulation after struggling with medication for years.
For over a decade, Veronica Brown battled chronic fatigue, depressive episodes, and severe anxiety without understanding the root of her struggles.
“I stopped traveling, even though I used to work as a travel agent,” she shared.
Unbeknownst to her, Brown was experiencing non-motor symptoms characteristic of Parkinson’s disease during what is known as the prodromal phase—a time when the disease is not yet fully apparent.
Dr. Alessandro Di Rocco, a neurologist at Northwell Lenox Hill Hospital, elaborated that the brain begins to lose dopamine-producing cells years before the onset of motor symptoms such as tremors and stiffness.
“Many individuals can look back and identify mood changes, depression, and anxiety occurring a few years prior to noticing tremors or other motor signs. Some may also experience constipation, which is common and often overlooked as a symptom of Parkinson’s,” he explained to Healthline.
In 2018, while in her late 50s, Brown noticed tremors in her foot that ultimately led her to leave her retail job. Over the following years, she developed additional physical symptoms, including a slower walking pace and a hunched posture.
By 2020, she received a Parkinson’s disease diagnosis.
After coming to terms with her condition, Brown started taking carbidopa-levodopa, a dopamine promoter frequently prescribed for managing motor symptoms of Parkinson’s. This medication, developed in the late 1960s, is celebrated as a significant medical advancement.
“Initially, it was effective, but then it seemed to lose its potency,” Brown recounted. “[The symptoms] just kept escalating.”
While the medication provided temporary relief, it eventually became inconsistent, a common experience noted by Dr. Francisco Ponce, a neurosurgeon and chief of stereotactic and functional neurosurgery at The Barrow Neurological Institute.
He noted that, over time, medications might lose their effectiveness, leading to an increase in dosage and frequency as patients encounter fluctuating control over their symptoms.
“Patients often feel like they are on a roller coaster ride with their symptoms,” he remarked to Healthline.
After three years of relying on medication, in 2024, Brown opted for
“DBS provides patients with enhanced and more stable control over their symptoms, minimizing fluctuations and involuntary movements. Moreover, many patients can significantly decrease their medication intake following DBS,” Ponce explained.
Brown was referred to Ponce by her Parkinson’s specialist. At the time, she was taking medication seven to nine times daily. Despite a positive response to her treatment, she was grappling with erratic movements and significant fluctuations in her symptoms throughout the day.
“Even so, we determined that Veronica’s symptoms improved by 50% with medication, which indicates a promising response to DBS,” Ponce noted.
In January 2024, he proceeded with two DBS surgeries on Brown. Although DBS has received FDA approval for over two decades, Brown was among the initial patients to receive the latest Medtronic neurostimulation device, Percept RC.
“It’s the smallest and thinnest device available, making it an ideal option for Veronica given her petite frame,” Ponce highlighted.
The surgeries were conducted while Brown was under anesthesia, allowing her to manage her anxiety better. The initial activation of her DBS occurred on January 30.
Post-surgery, Brown enjoyed improved stability in her symptoms with fewer fluctuations and a reduced need for medication.
“I felt incredibly lucky; it worked for me. One morning, I woke up and thought, ‘I’m going to bake some cookies,’” she recalled with delight. “My family looked at me in disbelief.”
It had been years since they had witnessed her enthusiasm and vigor.
Share on Pinterest
Even though DBS is FDA-approved and research supports its effectiveness for Parkinson’s disease, many individuals remain hesitant about undergoing brain surgery.
“Our mission is to raise awareness that this evidence-based therapy can significantly enhance the quality of life for those with Parkinson’s disease,” Ponce stated.
He hopes that as awareness grows, more patients will consider DBS, especially since the surgical procedures have become more comfortable and less intimidating than in the past.
“While it may be daunting to think about having brain surgery while awake, this is now a common practice for many patients,” Ponce explained.
Did you know that Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) can now be performed safely while patients are awake or under general anesthesia? This flexibility can alleviate some concerns surrounding the surgery.
Dr. Di Rocco pointed out that only 4% of eligible patients actually proceed with the DBS procedure. This low number can be attributed to various factors such as age, pre-existing health conditions that elevate surgical risks, and cognitive changes in candidates.
Some individuals who could benefit from DBS may develop cognitive issues that render them unsuitable for the procedure. Additionally, not all neurosurgeons possess the necessary training or resources to perform DBS.
Fortunately, patients like Brown, who qualify for DBS, are thankful for the opportunity. Brown, who bears only a small scar from the operation, attributes her success to her husband and fellow Parkinson’s patients who provided steadfast support throughout her journey.
Joining a supportive community of individuals with similar experiences can be tremendously advantageous. Brown emphasizes the importance of sharing insights and advice within these groups, as each member offers a distinct perspective.
In fact, it was through a support group that Brown first learned about DBS from another patient. Hearing stories and advice from those living with Parkinson’s can offer invaluable insight and encouragement to those contemplating DBS surgery.
