Sydney man undergoes brain surgery for Parkinson's disease

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 24 Oct, 23:20 · Archive

Roy Hazelwood, 65, underwent deep brain stimulation surgery while conscious to control symptoms of Parkinson's disease.

Roy Hazelwood, a 65-year-old Sydney grandfather, underwent deep brain stimulation surgery while fully conscious to treat his Parkinson's disease. The procedure involved surgeons drilling into his skull with a metal 'halo' frame fixed to his head to guide the instruments, then inserting electrodes deep into his brain and testing their placement with electrical impulses while he remained awake. Hazelwood described keeping his teeth apart during the procedure so they would not shatter from the vibrations, and experienced a hot sting when his local anaesthetic began to wear off.

Hazelwood's condition began in 2012 when a tremor developed in his left hand after he spent 12 hours operating a jackhammer while helping his daughter renovate her home. He initially dismissed it as a muscle strain, but his GP of about 20 years noticed his face had lost its usual expression, developing the characteristic mask-like appearance associated with early Parkinson's. A specialist subsequently confirmed the diagnosis. He spent the next seven years trying different medications, eventually taking tablets four or five times a day to manage his symptoms.

Parkinson's disease is a progressive neurological disorder that affects confidence, career and independence. The condition is often reduced to being 'just' a tremor, which can mean people living with it go without adequate support and understanding for other, often more significant symptoms.

How it is being reported

• More than a tremor: the true toll of Parkinson'sReducing Parkinson's disease to "just" a tremor can mean people living with it go without support and understanding for other, often bigger, symptoms.Perth Now · 24 Oct, 22:48
• More than a tremor: the true toll of Parkinson'sReducing Parkinson's disease to "just" a tremor can mean people living with it go without support and understanding for other, often bigger, symptoms.The West Australian · 24 Oct, 22:48

In this story: Roy Hazelwood · Sydney · Parkinson's disease

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