SOUTH CHARLESTON, WV (LOOTPRESS) – For nearly 40 years, Mary Supcoe struggled with essential tremor, a neurological movement disorder that gradually eroded her ability to perform everyday tasks.
According to WVU Medicine, When the disease progressed to the point that she could no longer quilt—one of her passions—she sought help from the WVU Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute (RNI).
Thanks to deep brain stimulation (DBS) therapy, Mary has regained control of her movements and her confidence.
Essential tremor affects up to 6.4 million Americans, according to the American Academy of Neurology.
The disorder causes involuntary shaking, most commonly in the hands, head, or voice. Unlike Parkinson’s disease, which causes tremors when muscles are at rest, essential tremor symptoms occur during movement.
While not life-threatening, the disease can significantly impact a person’s quality of life, and there is no known cure.
Mary and her husband, Chris, led an active and social life, but as her condition worsened, simple tasks became impossible.
“She was shaking so bad that she couldn’t keep food on her fork,” Chris said. “She would get a lot of awkward stares.”
Determined to find a solution, the Supcoes visited RNI’s Comprehensive Movement Disorder Center in Morgantown, where Mary was diagnosed with essential tremor with Parkinsonism, meaning some of her symptoms resembled Parkinson’s disease.
Neurologist Ann M. Murray, M.D., division chief at the center, explained that while essential tremor and Parkinson’s disease are often confused, they have distinct differences.
“Essential tremor is a disease of the brain that results in patients having shaking of their hands, head, and/or voice,” Murray said. “Whereas Parkinson’s disease, in addition to tremor, can actually cause dexterity problems, coordination problems, stiffness of their muscles, and balance problems amongst some other symptoms.”
After discussing treatment options, including lifestyle adjustments, medication, and focused ultrasound, Murray recommended DBS due to the severity of Mary’s condition.
DBS is a minimally invasive procedure in which electrodes are implanted in deep areas of the brain that control movement. A device similar to a pacemaker is placed under the skin of the chest, sending electrical impulses to regulate abnormal brain activity.
During a post-surgical visit, the effectiveness of DBS was clear. Mary extended her hands, with her right hand visibly shaking. But as soon as the device was activated, the tremor slowed, then stopped.
“It was one of the coolest things you’ll ever see in your life,” Chris said. “Steady as can be.”
The surgery has given Mary a renewed sense of independence.
“I like to do my hair, my makeup,” she said. “I can button up my shirts and put on my jewelry.”
Most importantly, she has returned to quilting and can now fully enjoy time with her new grandson.
“The transformation was just so fantastic,” Chris said. “She’s happy, and she’s able to do everything a grandma wants to do with her grandson. It’s just a wonderful experience.”
Murray emphasized the importance of treatment options like DBS in restoring normalcy for patients.
“To partner together to really achieve that return to normalcy, or as close as possible, that was my greatest reward,” she said. “Even though you have this disease, you don’t have to just live with it. We’re way too good at treating it. Our goal is to return that quality of life.”
Grateful for the care Mary received, Chris praised RNI’s expertise.
“Why go anywhere else when you can go to the Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute?” he said. “You can go to WVU Medicine to get the best care in the world.”
