Kootenai | Kootenai Health | Issue 2, 2021

KH . ORG 21 “For people who have this done, it will give them back their independence. It’s just awesome they’re doing this for people.” —Dawn Hoffman Dawn Hoffman had been enduring seizures for 20 years. Since undergoing deep brain stimulation in November, she has had no seizures— and has her life back. need for travel. With this equipment right here at Kootenai Health, those who might have otherwise had to go to larger medical facilities in other states will have the ability to be seen by doctors they know in the community they love. “This is to help the community so they don’t have to go to Spokane or Seattle for these special procedures,” said Cynthia Jones, neurosurgery program coordinator. “They can stay here in their hometown and receive the best possible care.” A life-changingoperation Coeur d’Alene resident Dawn Hoffman is a Kootenai Health neuro patient who underwent a special procedure called deep brain stimulation in November. In deep brain stimulation, electrodes are implanted in certain areas of the brain. The electrodes produce electrical impulses that regulate abnormal impulses. For 20 years, Dawn’s life had been disrupted by frequent epileptic, non-epileptic and drop attack seizures. Ever since she had the operation, Dawn has had no seizures. She’s getting her life back. Kootenai Health conducts about six of these life-changing operations a year. Upgrading the neurosurgery equipment will give surgeons the ability to more accurately perform these surgeries and serve more people in northern Idaho. “It’s great to be able to offer deep brain stimulation locally as an option for our patients,” said neurologist Cliff Hampton, M.D. “Otherwise, they would have to travel to Seattle or Portland for these treatments. Deep brain stimulation can help patients with epilepsy, as well as Parkinson’s disease.” About 1,000 people in northern Idaho are living with epilepsy. Dawn is ecstatic that her community hospital will be able to help more people like her. “This works tremendously. It’s amazing,” she said. “People definitely need it. It’s something they can do to help people who can’t otherwise get help, and hopefully they will take advantage. For people who have this done, it will give them back their independence. It’s just awesome they’re doing this for people.” Give the gift of life You can help us save lives and make a difference in the lives of so many in our community. Please visit kootenaihealthfoundation.org for more information.