Man with Parkinson’s changes his life with high-tech surgery

Ashland, Ore. – Vince Vincent is living with stage three Parkinson’s disease, but after having a Deep Brain Stimulation procedure, he’s kicked the tremors.

Vincent learned he had stage one Parkinson’s a little over a year ago.

“To my surprise and amazement, 9 months later, I was crippled,” Vincent said. “I went from stage one to stage three Parkinson’s in 9 months.”

After doing some research, Vincent learned about the Deep Brain Stimulation procedure. The surgery involves placing 8 electrodes in the brain, and wiring them down to two computers in the chest cavity. The computers help the brain to create dopamine, stopping the tremors that Parkinson’s patients live with day in and day out.

Vincent moved to Paloma, California where the neurosurgeon he found online has a practice. After his surgery, Vincent hit the road – on foot – to tell people about his experience.

“From the Border of Mexico to the border of Oregon,” Vincent said. “Just up and down the whole state of California.”

Now that’s he’s accomplished that, he says he’s gearing up for his next adventure:

“To get strong enough to where I can do the Pacific Crest Trail in Spring, that’s my goal. And then I’m done. Maybe,” Vincent said.

OHSU in Portland does the Deep Brain Stimulation procedure.

 

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