Elizabeth Rigley shares her personal experience with Parkinson’s disease and the impact of deep brain stimulation (DBS) on her life.Diagnosed at 67, she faced the progressive challenges of motor symptoms like tremor, rigidity, and slow movement, which interfered with daily activities, exercise, and social interactions.DBS, a neurosurgical procedure involving the implantation of electrodes in the brain to regulate abnormal activity, offered a potential improvement.Although the idea of brain surgery was initially terrifying, Elizabeth decided to proceed at age 72.The operation, lasting 10 hours with eight hours awake, was physically and emotionally demanding.

Over time, she noticed significant improvements: tremors and rigidity were better controlled, medication requirements decreased, and she regained spontaneity in daily life.Beyond motor symptom relief, DBS also alleviated anxiety about how others perceived her, allowing her to engage more freely and confidently.

While DBS is not a cure and requires careful screening, Elizabeth emphasizes that for selected patients, it can restore agency, confidence, and a measure of freedom in a disease often defined by gradual loss.