11/19/2025
For most of her life, 24-year-old Abigail lived in the grip of severe Tourette syndrome. Diagnosed at age 3, her days were consumed by painful motor and vocal tics that eventually led to broken fingers and ribs, constant exhaustion, and years of missed opportunities. By early 2024, her condition — and its associated side effects — had worsened so much that she was bedridden and forced to leave her job.
This year, everything changed.
In March, Abigail underwent deep brain stimulation surgery here at Allegheny General Hospital. The surgery was performed by Dr. Donald Whiting, chair of the AHN Neuroscience Institute and a leading national expert in the use of DBS to treat complex neurologic disorders.
Today, Abigail is working again, planning her wedding, and living with a freedom she thought she’d never know. Post-surgery, her tics have been dramatically reduced — from one every second to just a few an hour — and as the brain-stimulation amplitude continues to be adjusted, the tics should go away completely.
“After my surgery, I feel like I finally have my life back,” Abigail said. “I’m working again, I’ve moved out on my own, and I’m planning my wedding. These are all things I never thought would be possible for me.”
💚💚💚
