Miami, Fl  (March 17, 2025) – Nearly 1 million Americans are living with Parkinson’s disease (PD), a progressive neurological disorder that affects movement and coordination. Every year, about 60,000 new cases are diagnosed in the U.S., and approximately 10 million people worldwide are affected by the condition. While medications help some slow the progression, about 30-40% of patients develop motor complications that significantly impact their quality of life.

For Tahira Riaz, a simple shopping trip once seemed impossible. Before turning 40, the retired math teacher struggled with basic tasks, such as writing on a chalkboard. “My hand was trembling, I was unable to write properly, I couldn’t hold my hand properly,” Riaz recalled.

As her condition worsened, Parkinson’s disease eventually left her confined to a wheelchair. But thanks to an innovative procedure called Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS), Riaz has regained mobility and independence.

DBS is a FDA-approved surgical procedure that implants electrodes deep within the brain to regulate abnormal signals and significantly reduce symptoms. Often referred to as a “brain pacemaker,” DBS helps restore movement and improve quality of life for patients who no longer respond to medication.

According to the Parkinson’s Foundation, DBS can improve motor function by 30-60%, helping patients regain control over tremors, rigidity, and bradykinesia (slowness of movement). Studies show that over 75% of DBS patients experience significant symptom relief, reducing their reliance on medications.

The Memorial Neuroscience Institute is one of the few centers performing robotic-assisted DBS while the patient is asleep, ensuring greater precision and comfort. Traditional DBS surgery can take up to 10 hours, requiring patients to be awake. However, this advanced robotic-assisted method reduces surgery time to under an hour, offering a safer, more comfortable experience with faster recovery times.

“We use advanced technology, including robotics, to precisely place electrodes deep inside the patient’s brain,” said Dr. Christopher DeMassi, neurosurgeon and Chief of the Neuroscience Institute at Memorial Healthcare System in South Florida. “The system delivers electrical impulses to the brain, where it is not functioning correctly, to alleviate  symptoms.”

In addition to the brain electrodes, Riaz also had a small, pacemaker-like device implanted in her chest, which delivers electrical impulses to regulate brain activity. The results were immediate and life-changing. “I can walk around, move around—I can do whatever I want to do,” Riaz said.

DBS not only restores independence but also improves overall quality of life. Studies suggest that 90% of DBS patients report higher satisfaction rates compared to traditional medication management alone.

Beyond Parkinson’s disease, DBS is being actively researched for its effectiveness in treating other neurological and psychiatric disorders, including essential tremor, dystonia, epilepsy, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and depression. As technology advances, DBS continues to be a promising solution for millions of patients seeking better symptom management and long-term relief.