Advertisement

Man with Parkinson’s demonstrates how deep brain stimulation helped him regain use of his hands

A man who has been battling Parkinson’s disease for seven years shared a video on TikTok demonstrating the astounding results that deep brain stimulation has had on his ability to use his hands.

Justin Fields, a 35-year-old Knoxville, Tenn., resident, shared a video on TikTok of himself eating cereal with a spoon with the help of his deep brain stimulator, a device that is surgically implanted in the brain and helps people with Parkinson’s control their moments and tremors.

Buried in debt? A financial expert weighs in on how to get back on track

In the video, which was recorded by Fields’ fiancée Emily Norris, he first demonstrates how his body functions without the stimulator.

Fields can clearly be seen struggling to pick up the cereal bowl in front of him and raise the spoon to his mouth to take a bite. But after switching the device back on, Fields is able to eat the cereal with relative ease.

The difference is astounding.

Fields’ video, which he posted in honor of the one-year anniversary of his life-changing brain surgery, has since racked up over 3M views and tons of encouraging comments.

“In tears,” one user wrote. “Something most of us take for granted every day.”

“I love seeing this tech in action. It’s amazing!” said another. “I’m so glad to see what can be done to assist people through technology!”

Shop ‘Gossip Girl’ star Evan Mock’s looks from his In The Know cover shoot:

“That’s amazing!” commented a third. “My dad has Parkinson’s. This gives me so much hope!”

A deep brain stimulation device works by sending electrical signals to areas of the brain responsible for body movement, according to the Mayfield Clinic of Cincinnati, Ohio.

Electrodes are placed deep in the brain and are connected to a stimulator device that uses electric pulses to regulate brain activity. The process can help mitigate some of the typical symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, such as tremors, slowness, stiffness and walking problems, thus increasing a patient’s quality of life.

Christian Cowan’s first foray into menswear lets everyone be ‘part of that fantasy’:

If you liked this story, learn about how this blind teen types online. 

More from In The Know:

Starbucks is opening its first sign language store in Japan

Deaf, transgender model Chella Man shares how to be a better ally for people with disabilities

Netflix’s new show, “Love on the Spectrum,” highlights the dating lives of people with autism

Blind skateboarder Ryusei Ouchi has never let his disability hold him back

The post Man with Parkinson’s demonstrates how deep brain stimulation helped him regain use of his hands appeared first on In The Know.