MedStar Georgetown Offers Hope for those with Parkinson's disease

“I was going to die if something didn’t change,” says Bill Espinosa. He was 65, and his Parkinson’s disease was out of control. Then deep brain stimulation (DBS) at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital changed his life.

“I was a statue,” says Bill. “I couldn’t move a limb. I couldn’t blink an eyelid. I couldn’t swallow. I couldn’t move at all, yet my mind was still working. I knew my life was going to end if I didn’t find an answer.”

DBS supplied the answer he needed. This advanced surgery helps control the symptoms of movement disorders like Parkinson’s disease, essential tremor, dystonia (involuntary muscle contractions) and dyskinesia (involuntary shaking).

For Bill, medications had become increasingly ineffective. He had developed dystonia and dyskinesia. When his condition worsened, he was taken by ambulance to MedStar Georgetown University Hospital. DBS surgery relieved the symptoms of his Parkinson’s disease.

Today, Bill leads an active life again. “I had forgotten what it was like to live life without pain.”

Movement disorders like Bill Espinosa’s are common, but complex. They often start gradually and are sometimes misdiagnosed. Even when diagnosed early and correctly, they can become difficult to manage. Helping these patients demands specialized care from a highly skilled provider.

MedStar Georgetown University Hospital is on the forefront of movement disorder treatment and research. “We customize diagnostic and treatment approaches that best address each person’s unique symptoms and responses to treatment,” says neurologist Fernando Pagan, MD. MedStar Georgetown is also the only National Parkinson Foundation Designated Center of Excellence in the District of Columbia.

Even with high-quality care for movement disorders, nothing currently stops its progression. DBS combined with medication offers a safe and effective treatment option.

“DBS has dramatically reduced symptoms and side effects for certain people with movement disorders,” explains neurosurgeon Christopher G. Kalhorn, MD. “With DBS, medical management and physical therapy, the Movement Disorders Program at MedStar Georgetown provides all of the cutting-edge capabilities and tools that can help improve our patients’ quality of life.”

DBS surgery implants a pacemaker-like device to stimulate the brain. The device delivers carefully controlled electrical stimulation to precisely targeted areas of the brain that affect movement. Used with medication, DBS reduces the rigidity, tremors, slow movement and other symptoms of advanced movement disorders.

DBS is also reversible and adjustable. That makes it a huge improvement over other surgeries. As a patient’s disease progresses over time, the DBS device can be reprogrammed to minimize new or changing symptoms.

Can DBS Help Your Condition?

DBS can bring hope to people with movement disorders. But timing is critical. Find out if you are a candidate for DBS today. The life you want to live may be within reach today. Call 202-342-2400 or visit www.MedStarGeorgetown.org/DBS.