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Deep Brain Stimulation and Parkinson ’ s
“ DBS — like Parkinson ’ s itself — can be so different for women .”
Donna Rajkovic
It was at least five years from the first symptoms to my Parkinson ’ s diagnosis in 2012 . At that time , accessing information on Parkinson ’ s in my community was challenging , leaving me feeling isolated . As my PD advanced and my body couldn ’ t tolerate additional medications , my doctor proposed DBS . Initially , my reaction was a definite “ no .” The thought of brain surgery seemed too much ; I was still young and not ready for such a step . However , as time went on and my symptoms grew harder and harder to manage , I started to entertain the idea more seriously .
There were no women locally who I could turn to and discuss how Parkinson ’ s affects us as women , let alone as women who have had DBS . DBS — like Parkinson ’ s itself — can be so different for women due to our physical makeup and the role of hormones . Yet , my desire to be around for my family pushed me towards readiness . As my symptoms , including frequent falls , freezing , and dyskinesia , became more difficult to deal with , I increasingly relied on my husband ’ s help .
My initial DBS surgery in 2020 , was during the COVID pandemic . Recovery was difficult because of chronic headaches , dizziness , and impaired spatial awareness . Programming the device was also difficult as the settings wouldn ’ t hold after sessions . Despite a year and a half of investigations into the placement of the leads , the doctors initially found no issues . A second opinion revealed that the leads were misplaced . One of the leads was off by two millimeters — a small distance that can have significant implications in brain surgery , like the distance between Florida and California . My new medical team performed a corrective DBS surgery in
Despite initial challenges with the placement of her leads for DBS , Donna Rajkovic experienced significant improvement in her dystonia and dyskinesia symptoms .
2023 . This adjustment has significantly improved my dystonia and dyskinesia symptoms . My movements are smoother , I ’ m more comfortable , and I feel that I am more balanced .
When thinking about DBS , I feel it ’ s important , especially for women , to share our stories . This can be hard — women , and especially mothers , are supposed to take care of everyone else first . So , we need to advocate for ourselves and for each other .