Battling Parkinson’s with Deep Brain Stimulation.
After experiencing some stiffness in his right side, Chris Hanna was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease at just 46. As a healthy, active runner, he was shocked by the news. He initially went to see a neurologist in Lansing but got some life-changing advice from a friend who also has Parkinson’s. Chris’ friend told him to talk to Ashok Sriram, M.D. at Corewell Health.
“When I saw Dr. Sriram for the first time, I was amazed at how different his response was [from previous specialists], and how confident he was that I could do this,” said Chris. “I ended up switching my care over to Dr. Sriram and I’m so happy I did.”
After living with Parkinson’s for nearly a decade and seeing the disease gradually progress, an innovative procedure became available and Dr. Sriram recommended it for Chris. Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) is a therapy in which electrodes are implanted into the brain.
“Deep Brain Stimulation made me a little nervous at first, but my movements were getting difficult and after a year of consideration, I agreed to try it,” said Chris. “That night at dinner, my wife said it was like sitting with me 20 years ago.”
Today, Chris has significantly decreased his medications and is enjoying many activities he never thought he would again, including running. For Thanksgiving 2023, he led his whole family in a Turkey Trot 5K. Just because he can.
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