Q&A: Deep Brain Stimulation for Multiple Sclerosis

What is Deep Brain Stimulation? Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is a neurosurgical procedure where electrodes are implanted into specific areas of the brain. These electrodes produce electrical impulses that regulate abnormal brain activity. Essentially, the idea is to “turn off” parts of the brain without damaging them. This treatment is commonly associated with movement disorders… Continue reading Q&A: Deep Brain Stimulation for Multiple Sclerosis

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) by the numbers, 30 years in

Now that deep-brain stimulation (DBS) — a groundbreaking treatment for Parkinson’s disease — has been around for just over 30 years in the U.S., check out some stats and data about it. Plus, see how many members of the PatientsLikeMe community have had DBS and what they’ve said about it. What is DBS and how… Continue reading Deep brain stimulation (DBS) by the numbers, 30 years in

Spotlighted Author: Parkinson’s Humorist Bev Ribaudo on Dispensing Laughter

PatientsLikeMe member Bev Ribaudo (“YumaBev”) was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease (PD) at age 47, but it hasn’t dampened her flair for comedy.  “Humor comes naturally to me, and a little disease like Parkinson’s can’t take it away,” she says. In fact, her condition has given her a new purpose:  entertaining other “Parkies” with her deep… Continue reading Spotlighted Author: Parkinson’s Humorist Bev Ribaudo on Dispensing Laughter

Observing Parkinson’s Awareness Month

Since 2010, April has been designated as Parkinson’s Awareness Month by the US Senate.  The goal is to shine a spotlight on the national impact of Parkinson’s disease (PD), which affects more than one million Americans.  A progressive disorder of the nervous system, PD is often marked by muscle tremors, muscle rigidity, decreased mobility, stooped… Continue reading Observing Parkinson’s Awareness Month

Life with Parkinson’s Disease: What We’ve Learned

On Tuesday, our interview with blogger Steve Ploussard of “Attitude & Fitness Wins” revealed how one person is managing his Parkinson’s disease (PD).  Today we take a closer look at this progressive neurological condition using the data and experiences shared by our 5,920 PD members. Taking a look at the makeup of our PD community,… Continue reading Life with Parkinson’s Disease: What We’ve Learned

The Patient Voice | Episode 3: When a Community “Becomes Family”

“I’ve met a lot of people from all over the world, we are all one happy family.” – Vigwig Around and around we go, strap on in for Episode 3 of our podcast series, “The Patient Voice.”   To continue with the PatientsLikeMe Parkinson’s Disease (PD) quilt story, our guest today is community member VigWig. A… Continue reading The Patient Voice | Episode 3: When a Community “Becomes Family”

Parkinson’s Disease: Real-World Data, Real-World Experiences

It’s Parkinson’s Awareness Month. As we continue to spread the word about this condition, we wanted to tell you a little bit more about our PatientsLikeMe Parkinson’s community. Launched two years ago this month, the community has steadily grown to include more than 3,400 patients. Below are some interesting facts about the community, as well… Continue reading Parkinson’s Disease: Real-World Data, Real-World Experiences