Kootenai | Kootenai Health | Issue 3, 2019

KH . ORG 13 K to LIFE Regain control. If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s or essential tremor disorder, contact Kootenai Clinic Neurology at (208) 625-5100 or visit KH.org/neurology to see if deep brain stimulation can help. Safeguard your spine. Learn more about Kootenai Clinic Neurosurgery and Spine at kh.org/neurosurgery or call (208) 625-3800 . remarkable organisms that allow us to experience and manipulate the world, relate to other people, and to experience self-awareness and spirituality. We need to “think first” to protect this brain and body that we have been given. William Ganz, M.D. no longer seeing results from prescription medications. “It’s life-altering for these patients,” said Judy Hayton, Kootenai Health Neurodiagnostics lab manager. “We have so many patients who have gotten their life back. People who couldn’t babysit their grandkids but can now, those who can’t cook or bake because they can’t hold a measuring cup— this procedure allows patients to live their lives again.” Following surgery, patients meet with their care team to turn on the device and begin fine-tuning the settings to best fit the patient. While some settings may cause side effects, these often improve with further adjustments of the device. Despite its powerful effect, DBS is offered at relatively few facilities. “Medication only works for so long, then the brain becomes resistant to drug treatments or the medication will begin affecting other organs,” Judy said. “With DBS, the brain is ‘fooled’ into thinking it’s getting medication but instead it’s being stimulated to control the symptoms. For tremor, the change is immediate. It’s like a light switch you turn on and off. It’s absolutely amazing to watch patients finally have control over their tremor after years of suffering.” time to talk through a diagnosis and options for workup and treatment. What are some of your hobbies? I enjoy reading history, especially of early civilizations—Greek, Roman, Mayan, Incan. Like many here in northern Idaho, I like spending time outside—hiking in the Selkirks, Cabinet, Cascade and Bitterroot mountains; mountain biking; and spending time at our family cabin on Priest Lake. I also enjoy singing. What drew you to Kootenai Health? Since I moved to Coeur d’Alene in 2001, my private practice has been primarily at Kootenai. Kootenai is an excellent hospital with a skilled and caring staff. When I arrived in Coeur d’Alene in 2001 it was a community hospital and during the time that I have practiced here it has evolved into a regional medical center. I have been actively involved in the medical staff of Kootenai, including as chief of surgery and neurotrauma director. I made the decision to join the hospital as an employed physician to help develop a comprehensive neuroscience program with William Britt, M.D., of Kootenai Clinic Neurology before I retire. I am actively recruiting new neurosurgeons and neurologists into the community. What is your favorite healthy tip? Our lives and our bodies are a gift from God. Our human bodies are