Surgery provides relief for a Pittsburgh-area woman with Tourette's.

After a two-part deep brain stimulation procedure in March, Abigail Bailey reports reduced tics and has returned to work, resumed her studies, and is planning her wedding.

Abigail Bailey of Hookstown, Beaver County, lived with Tourette syndrome since early childhood and saw symptoms worsen by late 2024. Her condition forced her to move back in with family, stop working and delay her wedding, and she was hospitalized with sepsis. She underwent a two-part deep brain stimulation procedure at Allegheny General Hospital in March. One year after the surgery, she has resumed work, continued her degree studies, and is planning her wedding. Key facts: - Bailey was diagnosed with Tourette syndrome at age 3 and experienced a marked worsening of symptoms in late 2024 that affected daily functioning. - She was hospitalized with sepsis before deciding to pursue deep brain stimulation. - The surgery was performed in two parts last March at Allegheny General Hospital by a team that includes Dr. Don Whiting, who has performed deep brain stimulation procedures since 1997. - A year after the procedure, Bailey reports decreased tics and has returned to work, school, and wedding planning. Summary: The reported outcome is that deep brain stimulation coincided with a reduction in Bailey's symptoms and a return to several prior activities. The medical team notes the implanted device can be adjusted over time; specific follow-up steps were not detailed and are undetermined at this time.