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success. And yet, as I can see now, there
A part of the brain known as the substantia nigra contains a group of cells that produce a chemical called dopamine, which acts as a messenger, transmitting signals within the brain. When, for whatever reason, these cells begin to die, the result is a gradual reduction in the amount of dopamine manufactured. The
were like the red light on the dashboard,
“The goal of the operation is to disable the brain cells responsible for the tremor. The target is deep in a part of the brain called the thalamus—an area about the size of a walnut that controls body movement. We're looking for a particular structure within the thalamus which is responsible for the tremor—the VIM nucleus, a group of cells approximately two millimeters in diameter. “You'll be brought into the O.R. and a metal frame, or halo, will be fastened to your head with small screws. During the procedure, the frame itself will be bolted to the operating table so you won't be able to move
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myopic
shuffling, tremors, lack of balance, diminished small motor control, and the insidious cluster of symptoms that makes communication—written as well as spoken—difficult and sometimes impossible. Hypophonia, hypomimia, and “cluttering” can all get in the way of verbally expressing feelings and ideas. Hypophonia weakens the voice so badly that for some, like Muhammad Ali, simply making yourself audible demands a tremendous effort. So far I've been
The magic words are ‘I have it and I need this to do my
mot juste. Heidi proved to be a supremely intelligent, funny, and invaluable partner, and I would not have
