'Instant results' after patient plays clarinet again during her op

A CLARINETTIST with Parkinson’s disease played her instrument during an operation to stimulate her brain electrically — and delighted surgeons.

- By Jane Kirby

Key to a new future...Denise is able to play her clarinet during brain op carried out by Prof Ashkan, inset

Denise Bacon, 65, experienced an instant boost in her finger movements as the current was delivered at King’s College Hospital, London.

The retired speech and language therapist, who was diagnosed with the disease in 2014, had deep brain stimulation (DBS) after suffering symptoms including slowness of movement and muscle stiffness.

Parkinson’s had affected her ability to walk, swim and dance. She played the clarinet in the East Grinstead Concert Band until the illness forced her to stop five years ago.