When a 65-year-old woman with Parkinson’s disease began playing her clarinet during deep brain stimulation (DBS) surgery, the world paused to listen. The now-viral video captures more than a moment of medical brilliance, it’s a testament to how modern neurosurgery can restore the most human parts of us: our ability to express, move, and feel whole again.
A Symphony in the Operating Room
During DBS surgery, fine electrodes are implanted in specific areas of the brain to regulate abnormal signals. It’s a delicate, highly specialized procedure, one that often requires the patient to be awake so surgeons can test stimulation in real time. In this case, as the patient played her clarinet mid-procedure, the surgical team witnessed music and medicine merge in perfect harmony.
Watch this moving moment of healing in real time.
“Watching a 65-year-old Parkinson’s patient play her clarinet during DBS surgery is a vivid reminder of why I’m a functional neurosurgeon. The thrill of seeing stimulation take effect instantly in the operating room is only outdone by the patient’s joy when they rediscover their ability to move or even make music. Though I wasn’t involved in this case, it beautifully showcases the life-changing work functional neurosurgeons like myself do every day.”
— Dr. Iordanou
Dr. Iordanou’s words capture what makes functional neurosurgery so transformative. Deep brain stimulation doesn’t just ease tremors, it can restore independence, dignity, and passion.
The Science Behind the Magic
Parkinson’s disease disrupts normal brain signaling, leading to stiffness, slowness, and tremors. DBS targets those disrupted circuits, sending steady electrical impulses that recalibrate motor control. Patients often experience near-immediate relief, as this clarinetist’s performance dramatically demonstrates.
Unlike medication, DBS provides long-term symptom control for many patients who have exhausted other treatment options. For neurosurgeons like Dr. Iordanou, each successful procedure is a symphony of precision, compassion, and hope.
Why Stories Like This Matter
For patients and families facing Parkinson’s or essential tremor, seeing someone play music mid-surgery is more than inspiration, it’s proof of possibility. It sparks awareness about treatment options and underscores how far neuroscience has come in restoring lives.
Bringing Awareness to Functional Neurosurgery
Dr. Iordanou and the team at GKMD are passionate about educating patients on advanced treatments like DBS. Whether restoring mobility, speech, or artistry, functional neurosurgery continues to redefine what’s possible for people living with movement disorders.
If you or a loved one is exploring DBS or other neurosurgical options, contact our office to learn more about how these procedures can improve quality of life.
