The Bridge at Midnight Trembles: Parkinson’s Disease and Deep Brain Stimulation (52:00)
Diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 1990, actor Richard Moir endured thirteen years of shakes, freezes, and depression as his career faded, his disease worsened, and various treatments achieved nothing. This program follows Moir as he prepares to undergo the procedure known as deep brain stimulation; it also documents his uncertain recovery period. Presenting photos and movie clips depicting the patient’s personal experiences—including his first symptoms of Parkinson’s—the film accompanies Moir as the day of his operation approaches, as he enters the hospital and readies for surgery, and afterwards as scars heal, hair grows back, and a degree of bodily control returns. (52 minutes)
Parkinson's Disease Diagnosis (03:20) An Australian actor recalls his life from childhood to the present. Now, diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, he prepares for deep-brain stimulation surgery.
Parkinson's Disease Without Drugs (04:08) After 14 years with Parkinson's disease, Richard goes off all drugs so that doctors can see how the disease actually manifests itself. On some mornings, it takes hours for him to get his body moving.
Drug Regimen for Parkinson's Disease (03:17) Apomorphine is used in the treatment of Parkinson's disease. Therapeutic use is effective because of the drug's strong dopaminergic action. The regimen of drugs is time-consuming and complex for the patient.
What Is Deep Brain Stimulation? (02:19) Deep brain stimulation plants two electrodes deep into the brain. Video footage shows preparation for the surgery a surgical overview. The patient stays awake during surgery. A battery pack is worn under the skin.
Day Before Surgery (04:06) A patient with Parkinson's disease checks into the hospital where he will undergo deep brain stimulation surgery. He is very apprehensive. He talks with his adult children the night before surgery.
Parkinson's Disease: Relationship Difficulties (02:51) Actor Richard Moir discusses the difficulties in maintaining a marriage relationship when one partner has Parkinson's disease. On the morning of the operation, the patient's face goes into a freeze, but he can take nothing to alleviate it.
Morning of Surgery: Surgical Prep (03:57) The patient rises early in preparation for surgery. Doctors fit him with a metal "crown" that he will wear throughout surgery. It is fastened to his skull with titanium screws. He has a final CAT scan prior to surgery.
Deep Brain Stimulation Surgery (04:12) After deep brain stimulation surgery, the patient feels that nothing has changed. He recalls what he remembers of the surgery, as he was awake during the procedure. Electricity trickles into his brain from an external battery pack.
Post-Surgical Success (03:17) After deep brain surgery, the patient discovers he can walk and move with the halting steps of Parkinson's disease. His sense of humor returns as does his optimism. His speech is clearer and easier to understand.
Wire Implants in Brain (04:47) After deep brain surgery, the patient undergoes a second surgery to implant wires that will stimulate electrodes in his brain. He and his doctor adjust voltage levels to find the optimal level for control of Parkinson's symptoms.
Post-Surgical Success (03:52) After two weeks in the hospital after deep brain surgery, the patient heads for home. The effects of the surgery are profound, says the Parkinson's patient.
Post-Surgical Depression (04:09) Two months after deep brain stimulation surgery, the patient is not wholly satisfied with his physical health and stamina. He fears he is becoming a "zombie" again. He suffers from depression.
Parkinson's Patient Visits His Doctor (03:46) Feeling depressed and listless months after deep brain stimulation surgery, a patient and his doctor decide to increase the voltage feeding into his brain. The effects are immediate and positive.