How DBS Therapy Helps People with Parkinson’s Reclaim Their Quality of Life

April 11,2022

The symptoms of Parkinson’s disease are debilitating and vastly reduce the quality of life for those who have to endure them, impacting not only physical health, but mental health as well. In progressive diseases the journey to diagnosis and optimal treatment can be long and arduous. People living with Parkinson’s often suffer unnecessarily as they see multiple doctors and specialists over the years to find the best treatment for them.

But there is something special about these individuals – a spark, a hope, a light at the end of the tunnel. They know there’s a better life out there for them, and they’re relentless in pursuing it.

“I am in awe of the determination and spirit of people living with Parkinson’s every day who continually inspire us to deliver the most meaningful innovations with our Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) technologies,” said Rafael Carbunaru, vice president of Research and Development, Neuromodulation, Boston Scientific. “This is why we are so focused on exploring new avenues, advancing science and technologies – so people living with this condition around the world can not only find symptom relief, but ultimately live their best lives.”

Take Tony, for example. Just in time for his 50th birthday on May 7, 2016, after two years of therapy with DBS, Tony Seidl started his eleven-day bike tour from Altoetting, Germany, to Padua, Italia. Despite being affected by Parkinson's disease, Tony will keep a promise to himself: he will cross the Alps by bicycle to visit his namesake’s town “Saint Anthony of Padua”, with the aim of meeting other people affected by Parkinson's disease and encouraging them to never give up.

Every person differs in how effective DBS therapy is for them. Hear stories from people who have been in that situation, and use a Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) system to help manage their symptoms. To learn more about Parkinson's Disease and hear the experience of other DBS patients, visit the Real Stories website.