Leitrim resident created fundraising to promote Deep Brain Stimulation surgical therapy

Michael McCabe, based in Cloone Co. Leitrim, in conjunction with the Philip Sorohan and Oliver Leslie memorial tractor run, is raising funds for the Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) Service in Beaumont Hospital. 

Diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease ten years ago, Michael underwent DBS surgical therapy and is hoping to help others in the same situation he has been in. 

"Parkinson's is a progressive and debilitating disease with no known cure as of yet. It could only be controlled with medication until recently when this pioneering surgery became available. 

"However, only one in ten people is suitable for it [DBS surgical therapy], and luckily, I happened to be one of them. It has changed my life completely from where I had been just a year ago", Michael said. 

DBS procedure involves implanting electrodes within certain areas of the brain, and it is recommended for patients whose symptoms cannot be treated with medications.

It is commonly used to treat conditions such as Parkinson's disease, Epilepsy, Obsessive-compulsive disorder, Dystonia and Essential tremor. 

Michael explains that prior to 20233, all patients undergoing DBS surgery had to travel to England. "For many patients with severe motor function symptoms, their physical limitations ruled out the option of travelling to receive treatment", he says.

In 2022, the first DBS surgery was performed in Beaumont Hospital Dublin, and now it is estimated about 68 to 70 patients have cleared for DBS surgical therapy. 

More information regarding Michael's DBS Service fundraising can be found at https://www.gofundme.com/f/in-aid-of-beaumonth-dbs.