Roger Frisch is an acclaimed concert violinist with the Minnesota Orchestra. In 2009, he was diagnosed with “essential tremors,” an affliction that causes a brain’s movement control center to send abnormal signals. While the tremors were mild, it was affecting his ability to perform and could have ended his career. It could have, at least, until he played the most important concert of his life… in an operating room.
The tricky procedure involved implanting a tiny electrode in his brain which would allow him to regain control, but must be placed in precisely the right position.
Frisch has been playing music since childhood, receiving his first lessons from his father: a longtime Associate Concertmaster of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra.
In order to place the electrode in exactly the right spot, Frisch played throughout the surgery with a sensor on his bow showing doctors exactly when the tremor was occurring.
Luckily, patients are able to be awake during brain surgery without feeling any pain, and the operation was a success!
Frisch is now able to stifle his tremor at the flick of a switch that controls his stimulator.
Check out this one in a lifetime performance in action:
(via Daily Mail.)
That’s one show that definitely deserves a standing ovation. Wow.
Share the incredible story with your friends using the buttons below!
