Sharon Barber
Appearances
Global News Podcast
US judge temporarily blocks Trump's freeze on federal funding
Kevin has his life back, thanks to a computerised implant in his brain. He was diagnosed with Parkinson's in 2017. Struggling to hold a pint of beer, he stopped going out altogether. And at home, he was banned from the kitchen. I dropped things, spilled things, hot water. Who banned you? The wife. Kevin had first noticed something was wrong with his thumb.
Global News Podcast
US judge temporarily blocks Trump's freeze on federal funding
And then my arm was shaking, and what's next? Then his hands started to shake, and he recalls being told what it was.
Global News Podcast
US judge temporarily blocks Trump's freeze on federal funding
But he'd heard about a new treatment, deep brain stimulation, and around a year ago, he underwent surgery. Well, Kevin described it as like a Jaffa cake inside his chest wall. But what it is, in fact, is a battery with a computer inside. And that sends signals to his brain to control his Parkinson's symptoms. But the newly approved programme does more than just send signals deep into the brain.
Global News Podcast
US judge temporarily blocks Trump's freeze on federal funding
It can read a patient's brain signals and response by sending the exact electrical pulses needed to control Parkinson's. When Kevin first had his computer in his chest switched on, he couldn't believe what happened. The violent shaking of his arms and legs stopped.
Global News Podcast
US judge temporarily blocks Trump's freeze on federal funding
But even during our interview, his legs started to shake. A reminder of the Parkinson's he still has. That report by Sharon Barber.