On October 23, 2025, in a scene that could have been lifted straight from a medical drama, music and medicine converged in a London operating theatre. Denise Bacon, a 65-year-old retired speech and language therapist from Crowborough, East Sussex, played her clarinet while undergoing deep brain stimulation (DBS) surgery at King’s College Hospital, a moment that has since captured the world’s imagination and offered hope to many living with Parkinson’s disease.
Denise’s journey with Parkinson’s began in 2014. Over the years, the progressive neurological disorder steadily eroded her ability to enjoy the things she loved most—walking, swimming, dancing, and above all, playing the clarinet. According to BBC, she had to stop performing with the East Grinstead Concert Band five years ago as tremors and stiffness in her hands made playing impossible. “I remember my right hand being able to move with much more ease once the stimulation was applied, and this in turn improved my ability to play the clarinet, which I was delighted with,” she later recalled, expressing the sheer joy of regaining a piece of her identity.
The four-hour procedure, performed by Professor Keyoumars Ashkan and his specialist team, was no ordinary operation. Rather than being put under general anesthesia, Denise was kept awake, her scalp and skull numbed with a local anesthetic. As King’s College Hospital explained in a press release, this approach allowed surgeons to monitor her brain function and motor skills in real time—a crucial factor in maximizing the benefits of DBS and minimizing risk.
DBS is a surgical technique used to treat movement disorders like Parkinson’s disease when medications no longer provide adequate relief. It involves implanting electrodes deep into specific areas of the brain. These electrodes are then connected to a pulse generator, similar to a pacemaker, which is implanted in the patient’s chest. The device delivers targeted electrical impulses to modify the abnormal brain activity that causes tremors, rigidity, and slowness of movement. While DBS is not a cure and cannot halt the neurodegenerative process, it can dramatically improve symptoms and, as Denise’s story shows, restore lost abilities.
What made Denise’s surgery so extraordinary was the way her musical performance became an integral part of the procedure. As each electrode was activated, her finger movements improved almost immediately. The surgical team, guided by a frame with precise coordinates (acting as a sort of GPS for the brain), watched and listened as Denise picked up her clarinet and began to play. The improvement was audible and visible, offering instant confirmation that the electrodes were placed correctly. Professor Ashkan described the process: “Once the electrodes were in place on the left side of Denise’s brain, the current was switched on and an immediate improvement was noted in hand movements on her right side. The same happened on her left side when we implanted electrodes on the right side of her brain.”
According to Associated Press, the video of Denise playing her clarinet mid-surgery was shared widely on social media, drawing praise for her courage and the ingenuity of the medical team. One viewer commented, “Moments like this redefine both medicine and humanity.” Another added, “Playing the clarinet mid-surgery shows amazing courage and highlights the brain’s remarkable abilities.”
The technical aspects of the operation were as impressive as the emotional resonance. The holes made in Denise’s skull were described as being half the size of a five pence piece, a testament to the precision required. The rechargeable pulse generator implanted in her chest can last up to 20 years before needing replacement and is capable of automatically adjusting stimulation levels as needed. This means Denise will have continuous, tailored support as she resumes her favorite activities. As Hindustan Times reported, the innovative device can monitor brain activity and fine-tune its output, offering hope for long-term improvement.
Denise’s recovery has already begun to yield results. She reported improvements in her walking and is eager to return to swimming and dancing—activities that had been put on hold for years. “I’m already experiencing improvements in my ability to walk, and I’m keen to get back in the swimming pool, and on the dance floor to see if my abilities have improved there,” she said. Her next steps include intensive physiotherapy and occupational support to help her regain momentum and confidence in daily life, according to Gulf News.
Parkinson’s disease is a relentless condition, characterized by the gradual loss of dopamine-producing nerve cells in the brain. This leads to tremors, muscle stiffness, and slowness of movement, making everyday tasks a challenge. While medications can help manage symptoms, their effectiveness often wanes over time. For patients like Denise, DBS represents a beacon of hope—a way to reclaim independence and joy, even if only partially.
Professor Ashkan emphasized the significance of the procedure, noting that while DBS is a well-established treatment for movement disorders, each patient’s experience is unique. “As a keen clarinettist, it was suggested Denise bring her clarinet into the operating theatre to see whether the procedure would improve her ability to play, which was one of Denise’s main goals for the surgery. We were delighted to see an instant improvement in her hand movements, and therefore her ability to play, once stimulation was delivered to the brain.”
This isn’t the first time King’s College Hospital has made headlines for such innovative approaches. In 2020, a violinist played jazz classics while undergoing brain surgery to remove a tumor, demonstrating the hospital’s commitment to integrating patients’ passions into their care. These moments, while rare, highlight the profound intersection of science and humanity—where technical mastery meets the individual stories of those seeking healing.
For Denise Bacon, the surgery was more than a medical milestone. It was a chance to reconnect with a cherished part of her life and to inspire others who may be facing similar battles. As she looks forward to rejoining her concert band, swimming, and dancing, her story stands as a testament to resilience, innovation, and the enduring power of music—even in the most unlikely of places.
