New advances in deep brain stimulation (DBS) techniques are being offered for the first time in Queensland at Mater Private Hospital Townsville and have the ability to transform the lives of Parkinsons sufferers.
Mater neurologist Dr Craig Costello and visiting neurosurgeon Professor Matt McDonald performed DBS with the first multi-tiered directional deep brain stimulation lead at the hospital’s Pimlico campus in May.
“We surgically implant tiny electrodes to specific targets in the brain that are connected by very thin wires under the skin to a pulse generator, similar to a pacemaker, which allows us to send electrical signals to the brain and help manage the disabling symptoms of Parkinsons,” Dr Costello said.
“This new lead gives us more ability to direct the electrical signals to the part of the brain that we want to stimulate, by directing the current forward and backward, which gives you greater flexibility to help control a person’s symptoms.”
The DBS surgery was a gamechanger for the first patient to be treated with the new lead, 65-year-old David McKinnon, who has been suffering from Parkinson’s Disease for more than a decade.
“It’s been a miracle cure for me, it’s worked brilliantly, and I could see an improvement the day after surgery,” Mr McKinnon said.
“Parkinson’s is very soul destroying, it robs you of your life, and impacts every aspect of it, but deep brain stimulation has given me a second chance, that’s for sure.”
Mr McKinnon said the neurological condition caused him to have serious tremors, extreme fatigue and difficulty balancing and walking.
Unable to tolerate medication, which made him tired and nauseous, Mr McKinnon thought his condition was untreatable and was forced to sell his business and retire early.
Almost out of hope, he said Dr Costello’s surgery has changed his life.
“I’m able to stand up straight and walk properly now, I’m not shuffling along all hunched over,” Mr McKinnon said.
“The rigidity in my face has relaxed and I’m able to smile and laugh again, it’s been the best gift ever.
“I would 100 per cent recommend this surgery to others with Parkinson’s to help with their symptoms if nothing else is working.”
Dr Costello said DBS is not a cure for Parkinson’s, but it can provide significant relief from symptoms for patients for whom medications are no longer effective.
“For someone fairly young like Mr McKinnon, this lead provides maximum adaptability to modulate symptoms without side effects over the many years ahead,” Dr Costello said.
Mater Private Hospital Townsville General Manager Anna Olson said offering DBS surgery in North Queensland means local patients do not need to travel to Brisbane for surgery.
“This means people don’t need to be away from their family for a month, because after DBS surgery they can’t fly for a couple of weeks,” Ms Olson said.
“We are thrilled to be the first hospital in Queensland offering this new multi-directional lead which improves treatment and outcomes for Parkinsons patients.”
Media Contact: Michelle Tapper michelle.tapper@mater.org.au
