Key points from article :
Kevin Hill, a 65-year-old from Sunderland, was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2017 after experiencing worsening tremors for years. His condition made everyday tasks difficult, and his wife banned him from the kitchen due to his uncontrollable shaking. In search of a better solution, doctors at Newcastle Hospitals offered him deep brain stimulation (DBS), a procedure involving a small computer implanted in his chest. This device, connected to thin wires in his brain, sends electrical signals to control symptoms.
When the device was switched on, Kevin’s tremors stopped instantly, a moment he described as unbelievable. His quality of life improved dramatically—he could sleep better, regain independence, and even return to social activities. Initially, he had to visit the hospital for regular reprogramming of the device. However, a new version called adaptive DBS has eliminated this need.
Developed by Medtronic, adaptive DBS automatically adjusts electrical impulses in real-time based on brain activity. Neurosurgeon Akbar Hussain, one of the first to offer this technology, explained that the system responds to the patient’s needs instantly, making treatment more personalized and effective. Unlike traditional DBS, which provides continuous stimulation, the adaptive version only activates when necessary, improving symptom control and reducing side effects.
Kevin now enjoys an active life and sometimes forgets he has Parkinson’s. This breakthrough technology could significantly improve treatment for many others living with the disease, offering better long-term management and enhancing their overall well-being.
