People Profile: Michael Sharp Continued...
Michael Sharp has spoken publicly at numerous events about his experience with deep brain stimulation surgery.
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Like many
dystonia-affected individuals, Michael was prescribed heavy medication to help
ease his pain. Michael also tried botulinum toxin injections, which hurt and didn’t
really help. The high amounts of medicine left him drained and “in a daze.”
Michael doesn’t have clear memories of this time, “I feel like it was all a
dream, just one big blur.”
In 2004, Michael’s family attended the Dystonia Medical Research Foundation’s 3rd Children and Family Symposium. Victoria found it to be the best experience for her family. “I gained more information over the course of those two days than I had ever learned in all these years researching and reading over the internet.”
It was at the Symposium where they learned more about an invasive brain operation called deep brain stimulation (DBS). DBS involves inserting electrodes into the brain that are wired
In 2004, Michael’s family attended the Dystonia Medical Research Foundation’s 3rd Children and Family Symposium. Victoria found it to be the best experience for her family. “I gained more information over the course of those two days than I had ever learned in all these years researching and reading over the internet.”
It was at the Symposium where they learned more about an invasive brain operation called deep brain stimulation (DBS). DBS involves inserting electrodes into the brain that are wired
to a battery pack implanted in the chest or abdomen. Electrical pulses from the electrodes enter
the brain and, for some dystonia patients, helps alleviate symptoms. Victoria
and Michael liked the results from the team of Dr. Michele Tagliati and Dr. Ron
Alterman of Mount Sinai Medical Center and flew to New York to meet with them.
In 2005, Michael had the DBS procedure; he was 15 years old.
The results were miraculous. In one month, Michael was practically straight. After continued fine- tuning of his settings, Michael regained control of his body. In 11th grade, he returned to a traditional classroom setting, joining friends and classmates who had supported and stood by him through the years.
In the spring of 2007, Michael graduated valedictorian from his high school with a 4.3 GPA. This fall, Michael will start freshman year at Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale, studying finance and business. He is proud to say that he will be walking to campus.
Michael and his family are grateful for this “second chance” and Michael sees this as a new life for him. “When I saw a video of how I looked before DBS, I couldn’t believe that was me,” recalls Michael. “I never really noticed how severe my body was. I had always just thought ‘oh I have bad posture.’ I am very lucky to be where I am today.”
Michael spoke to other dystonia-affected youth at the 2007 Children and Family Dystonia Symposium. He encourages those with dystonia to pick up some sort of hobby to help get through hard times. His family wants the general public to not see people with dystonia as having some sort of “mental retardation” and pass judgments solely on looks. “We are real people,” says Victoria.
Michael’s future plans include donating “a lot of money” towards the Dystonia Medical Research Foundation to help find a cure.
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The results were miraculous. In one month, Michael was practically straight. After continued fine- tuning of his settings, Michael regained control of his body. In 11th grade, he returned to a traditional classroom setting, joining friends and classmates who had supported and stood by him through the years.
In the spring of 2007, Michael graduated valedictorian from his high school with a 4.3 GPA. This fall, Michael will start freshman year at Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale, studying finance and business. He is proud to say that he will be walking to campus.
Michael and his family are grateful for this “second chance” and Michael sees this as a new life for him. “When I saw a video of how I looked before DBS, I couldn’t believe that was me,” recalls Michael. “I never really noticed how severe my body was. I had always just thought ‘oh I have bad posture.’ I am very lucky to be where I am today.”
Michael spoke to other dystonia-affected youth at the 2007 Children and Family Dystonia Symposium. He encourages those with dystonia to pick up some sort of hobby to help get through hard times. His family wants the general public to not see people with dystonia as having some sort of “mental retardation” and pass judgments solely on looks. “We are real people,” says Victoria.
Michael’s future plans include donating “a lot of money” towards the Dystonia Medical Research Foundation to help find a cure.
Return to page 1 of Michael's story...
Click here for PDF of entire article
Return to main Media Center page
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