Paul Schafer’s wife likens it to “something out of Star Wars,” but it’s firmly in the realm of real-world science, and it holds the potential to change countless lives. It’s called deep brain stimulation, and for Schafer, who suffers from essential tremor, as well as many Parkinson’s disease patients, this treatment — now available at Baystate Medical Center — has opened a door to enjoying the activities of daily life most people take for granted.
Paul Schafer pressed a button on a small, handheld device, and started to shake.
