Reviving Piano Notes with a Brain Battery
Nurse and pianist Roger Dale Burnell discovered that he had essential tremor, a neurological disease that causes rhythmic tremors, in his right hand. His passion for music was put on hold as his symptoms progressed, affecting his ability to write, eat, and even drink water. Essential tremor is more common in society than Parkinson’s disease, and while medication failed to provide any relief, Burnell found hope in brain pacing surgery. He underwent the procedure in Istanbul, and during the surgery, he played the piano for his doctor. His life changed for the better after the surgery, and he is now able to live his life and pursue his passion for playing the piano. The procedure involves a brain battery, which delivers electrical current to a point in the human brain to stimulate or suppress electrical activity in the brain cells. Brain battery treatment is beneficial for patients with movement disorders such as essential tremor, Parkinson’s, and Dystonia diseases. Burnell’s success story provides hope for others affected by essential tremor.
