Deep brain stimulation neurosurgery at Hendrick Health benefits patient with Parkinson’s disease

Parkinson’s disease shook James Quinlan’s life, literally. Around-the-clock tremors and other advanced symptoms constantly disrupted daily activities, even sleep. Eventually, he could no longer work.

Quinlan has since experienced dramatic improvements in his quality of life after becoming the first patient at Hendrick Health to undergo an innovative deep brain stimulation (DBS) neurosurgical procedure in November 2024.

“I can’t thank them enough,” said Quinlan about his Hendrick Health team. “It has made a gigantic difference.”

After being diagnosed eight years ago, a heavy workload hampered his condition and interrupted his medication schedule. He quit his job and moved to his parents’ residence in Anson.

Quinlan began seeing a neurologist at Hendrick Clinic Neurology to help manage medications to reduce his symptoms. His neurologist referred him to Hendrick Clinic Neurosurgery, which includes neurosurgeons Kristopher Lyon, MD, and Leslie Hutchins, MD, for surgical relief for a Parkinson’s disease-related spinal condition.

After Dr. Lyon performed the spinal surgery, Quinlan was considered a good candidate for DBS neurosurgery. Quinlan agreed and underwent Hendrick Health’s first DBS procedure that addresses some Parkinson’s disease symptoms caused by disrupted brain activity. Electrodes are implanted in specific areas of the brain and connected to an implanted pacemaker-like device to produce new electrical impulses.

Based on the success of his spinal surgery and his advanced symptoms, Quinlan opted to undergo the complicated DBS surgical procedure. Two weeks after the surgery, Quinlan’s implanted device was activated. Positive changes were immediate.

“It made a huge difference,” said Quinlan. “The shaking was less. My balance is much better now, and walking is easier.”

Although Quinlan periodically needs the assistance of a cane, he again enjoys some activities and hobbies he had given up before the DBS. He is thankful for both the skill and the compassion of his Hendrick Health team.

“They understood the position that I was in, and how bad I felt and how sick I felt,” said Quinlan. “They really understood what it really took to be able to make it through those days, and they basically treated me like a rock star.”