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- Many individuals face non-motor symptoms such as depression and anxiety years before being diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease.
- Veronica Brown, 62, shares her personal experience living with Parkinson’s disease.
- After years of medication, Brown found relief through deep brain stimulation.
For over ten years, Veronica Brown battled chronic fatigue, anxiety, and depression, unaware of the underlying cause of her distress.
“I stopped traveling, and I used to be a travel agent,” she recalled.
What she didn’t realize at the time was that she was experiencing non-motor symptoms associated with Parkinson’s disease, during the so-called prodromal stage—an early phase where symptoms are not yet clearly identifiable.
Dr. Alessandro Di Rocco, a neurologist at Northwell Lenox Hill Hospital, explained that the brain begins to lose dopamine-producing cells years before the onset of motor symptoms like tremors and stiffness.
“People often notice changes in mood and anxiety before they develop tremors or other motor issues. Some may also experience constipation, which is so common that it’s often overlooked as a Parkinson’s symptom,” he shared with Healthline.
In 2018, in her late 50s, Brown noticed tremors in her foot that forced her to leave her job in retail. As the years progressed, she developed additional physical symptoms, including a hunched posture and slower walking.
In 2020, she received her Parkinson’s disease diagnosis.
After coming to terms with her condition, Brown began taking carbidopa-levodopa, a medication that promotes dopamine levels and is widely prescribed for managing Parkinson’s motor symptoms. Introduced in the late 1960s, it marked a significant advancement in treatment.
“Initially, it worked well, but then it seemed like my symptoms intensified rapidly,” Brown said. “It was as if all my symptoms were coming back, one after another.”
While the medication provided temporary relief, it became less effective over time, a common experience noted by Dr. Francisco Ponce, a neurosurgeon and chief of stereotactic and functional neurosurgery at The Barrow Neurological Institute.
“As time goes on, the benefits of medication can diminish, leading to the need for increased dosages and more frequent administration,” he told Healthline. “Patients often feel their control over Parkinson’s symptoms fluctuating throughout the day, making it feel like a roller coaster.”
After three challenging years on medication, Brown opted for
“DBS provides patients with more consistent and predictable symptom control, minimizing fluctuations and dyskinesias. Moreover, many patients can significantly decrease their medication dosages post-DBS,” explained Ponce.
Brown’s Parkinson’s specialist referred her to Ponce. By then, she was taking medication seven to nine times daily. Although she historically responded well to medication, she faced erratic movements and significant fluctuations in her symptoms.
“Despite the challenges, we were able to quantify that Veronica’s symptoms improved by 50% with her medication, which is a promising indicator for a positive response to DBS,” Ponce noted.
In January 2024, Brown underwent two DBS surgeries. While DBS has been an approved therapy for over two decades, she was among the first recipients of Medtronic’s latest innovation, the Percept RC neurostimulator.
“It’s the smallest and thinnest neurostimulator currently available, making it an ideal option for Veronica due to her petite frame,” Ponce mentioned.
The surgeries were performed while Brown was under anesthesia, alleviating some of her anxiety. The first activation of her DBS occurred on January 30.
Post-surgery, Brown enjoyed more stable symptom control with fewer fluctuations and a decrease in her medication needs and dyskinesias.
“I feel so fortunate; it really worked for me. One morning, I woke up and decided to bake cookies,” she shared. “My family couldn’t believe their eyes.”
It had been years since they had witnessed her enthusiasm and energy.
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Despite being FDA-approved and backed by research demonstrating its benefits for Parkinson’s patients, many are still hesitant about DBS due to the nature of brain surgery.
“Our mission is to raise awareness that DBS is a proven treatment option that can significantly enhance the quality of life for individuals with Parkinson’s disease,” Ponce said.
He hopes that with increased knowledge about the procedure, more patients will consider it, especially since modern DBS surgeries are less daunting and more patient-friendly than in the past.
“While it might be hard to picture having major surgery while awake, it’s becoming increasingly common for patients in need of brain surgery,” he added.
Did you know that Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) can now be performed safely with patients either awake or under general anesthesia? This flexibility can help alleviate some concerns surrounding the surgical experience.
Dr. Di Rocco pointed out that only 4% of eligible individuals proceed with the DBS procedure. This low number can be attributed to various factors, including age, pre-existing medical conditions that increase surgical risks, and cognitive changes in patients.
In some cases, individuals who could benefit from DBS may develop cognitive impairments, disqualifying them from the procedure. Additionally, not every neurosurgeon possesses the necessary training or resources to perform DBS surgery.
Fortunately, patients like Brown, who meet the criteria for DBS surgery, are thankful for the opportunity. With just a small scar from the operation, she attributes her success to the unwavering support of her husband and fellow Parkinson’s patients throughout her journey.
Building a supportive community with others who have faced similar challenges can be invaluable. Brown underscores the importance of sharing experiences and insights within such groups, as each member contributes a unique perspective.
Interestingly, it was in a support group that Brown first learned about DBS from another patient. Hearing firsthand accounts and advice from those living with Parkinson’s can provide encouragement and vital information for individuals contemplating DBS surgery.
