How to Stimulate Your Brain to Treat Dystonia

Just because Halloween has passed doesn’t mean we’re done talking about brain surgery.

spaghetting and brainballs
We may be watching too many Zombie shows….
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Specifically, deep brain stimulation therapy.

No, this isn’t something like Frankenstein’s monster. Deep brain stimulation therapy is actually a procedure that’s becoming more common for difficult to treat diseases, like epilepsy and now dystonia.

For Brennyn Carmen, a nursing student, deep brain stimulation is what she calls her “last resort.” And if you think that means she’s at her wit’s end, think again.

“There is a chance it won’t work, but I’m excited,” she said.  “I’ve been living like this my whole life, and it’s just getting worse.”

You see, her dystonia has progressed to generalized primary dystonia, meaning it’s now affecting muscles throughout her body. She’s built up a resistance to Botox and other treatments, and is hopeful that getting to the root of the problem–the brain–will solve her problems.

Thankfully, Carmen has received a tremendous amount of public support for her upcoming surgery. The Laramie Care Center, where she works 12 hours a week, recently donated $1,500 to help Carmen cover her medical costs. They also plan on hosting other fundraising events, like a bake sale and chili cook-off, to help raise more money.

We all support you! Source: Giphy.com
We all support you!
Source: Giphy.com

It’s a wonderful story of a community coming together to support one of their own that just warms our hearts. Best of luck to you, Brennyn Carmen!