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Posted on 04/15/2004 7:51:47 AM PDT by IncPen
CLEVELAND -- A Lyndhurst man became the first person in the United States to benefit from a procedure that can cure Tourette syndrome, reported NewsChannel5.
Jeff Matovic, 31, has suffered from severe Tourette Syndrome for 28 years. The disorder caused him to have major tics and jerks, making it extremely difficult to walk or sit still.
The deep brain stimulation has been done before to help people with Parkinson's disease, but had never before been tried in the United States for a Tourette patient.
It has been used before for Tourette syndrome in Europe.
Within minutes of turning on the pacemaker, Matovic was transformed, and the medical team that performed the procedure was astounded.
"This is what we refer to as a jaw-dropping moment," said Dr. Brian Maddux, of University Hospitals.
After the surgery, Matovic was able to walk, sit still, and speak normally, something he was never able to do before.
"The outcome of that day was way beyond any of our expectations," said registered nurse Christina Whitney.
In a news conference today, Matovic told the world how, through this procedure, he has finally accomplished what he always wanted to do:
"I really tried to just be normal," said Matovic. "So many people in this world strive to be extraordinary, and really, what I wanted to do, was be like everyone else."
His family describes it as nothing short of a miracle.
University Hospitals is hoping the success of the procedure will allow them to begin a clinical trial. It predicts that many with the disorder will come forward, but it is important to select the right candidates for the trial.
Copyright 2004 by NewsNet5. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
His case was mild; mostly an involuntary jerking of his hear, pretty much continually. No swearing.
Eventually, as I got to know him, I became his friend. Hidden underneath the horrid affliction was a genuine person, with value and bravery. I suppose it takes bravery to face the world with such a problem.
--Boris
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New Hope For Tourette Syndrome Patients