projected onto a mirror above the patient ’ s face and the patient is asked to respond to motor function or language tests on the screen using a control box . As he or she performs these tests , blood oxygen levels change the images that specialists see of the brain , which helps physicians to locate the area of the brain that is affected . Dr . Robinson says , “ We ’ re able to localize memory and language functions to determine how risky the surgery will be if they proceed with it . And if they do , what is the best route to take .” An fMRI map also can help neurosurgeons when they operate to remove tumors , since it allows them to see how close the tumors are to critical brain structures .
State-of-the-art surgical options for epilepsy and Parkinson ’ s patients are among the innovations that the Neuroscience Institute has brought to Central Texas . For epilepsy , surgeons can remove the portion of the brain that causes seizures . For patients with Parkinson ’ s and other movement disorders , surgeons can implant a deep brain stimulator , a device similar to a pacemaker that is inserted into the brain to control the symptoms of movement disorders .
Dr . Encarnacion says that deep brain stimulators have shown greater than 80 percent effectiveness in countering the symptoms of Parkinson ’ s disease , which is the main condition treated at the Plummer Movement Disorders Center , one of only two National Parkinson Foundation ( NPF ) centers in Texas . “ As an NPF center , we
Like everyone , Lynn Owens , age 70 , has good days and bad days . The former instructor and coach tries hard not to let the fact that she has Parkinson ’ s disease interfere with her everyday life . Parkinson ’ s disease is a progressive brain disease characterized by shaking , stiffness , slowness , and poor balance . The symptoms are related to a chemical imbalance in the brain caused by the death of cells that produce dopamine , which plays an important role in movement and many other brain functions . At the present time there is no known cause or cure for the disease .
Coach Owens spent 32 years in the teaching profession , 29 of them at Travis Middle School in Temple , Texas . During her 32-year career , she coached volleyball and track , taught private swimming lessons for 25 years , and became a Division I Southwest Conference Basketball Official . On a good day Coach Owens can break 90 on the golf course , and she loves to play once or twice a week , weather permitting . On her bad days , though , she has problems with balance , her voice becomes weak , and her tremors become noticeable .
She was diagnosed with Parkinson ’ s disease in 2004 , after consulting with a neurologist because of concerns about balance and lack of movement in her left arm . In 2007 she was placed under the care of Dr . Elmyra Encarnacion . At the Plummer Movement Disorders Center at Scott & White she found a team of caregivers who have worked diligently with her to understand what she could do to improve her mobility and to stay independent as long as possible . “ Dr . Encarnacion has done so much in pulling the Parkinson ’ s community together by creating a support system ,” says Coach Owens . “ She has such a positive attitude and a high energy level that rubs off on all of us .”
Coach Owens knows that her central nervous system will continue to deteriorate , so she heeds Dr . Encarnacion ’ s recommendations — and they include medications and physical , occupational , and speech therapy at the Plummer Movement Disorders Center . Coach Owens says , “ I ’ m amazed at the enthusiasm Dr . E has in treating those of us with Parkinson ’ s , because we know there is no cure . Yet she continues to see each of her patients , knowing our conditions will get worse .”
Coach Owens is now the chair of the Central Texas Parkinson ’ s Alliance Board . This group is composed of representatives from the Plummer Movement Disorders Center and representatives from the various Parkinson ’ s disease support groups in Central Texas . The main purpose of the board is to function as a bridge between the Parkinson ’ s community and the Plummer Movement Disorders Center .
In April , Coach Owens helped organize a benefit golf tournament for Parkinson ’ s disease . The funds raised from the tournament will be used to benefit the Parkinson ’ s community directly , through wellness programs , lectures , and transportation .
Coach Owens hopes her charitable work will bear fruit for the next generation of Parkinson ’ s patients . “ I want to do whatever I can do right now , even though I may not see a cure in my lifetime . I want to bring awareness to our community and help benefit those newly diagnosed with this debilitating disease .”
www . sw . org | Summer / Fall 11 THE CATALYST 33