He Couldn't Drink A Glass Of Water For 35 Years. Watch That All Change

July 23, 2024

In a remarkable medical breakthrough, a man who struggled with the simple task of drinking a glass of water is now able to do so thanks to a life-changing, incisionless surgery.

Gold Coast University Hospital has become the first Australian public hospital to offer this innovative procedure for individuals with disabling neurological conditions such as essential tremors.

man could not drink water for 35 years tremors Neville
Neville / Credit: Goldcoast.health.qld.gov.au

The non-invasive procedure utilizes MRI technology to precisely locate and treat areas of the brain that trigger movement disorder symptoms. More than 1,000 ultrasound beams intersect at a single point, creating a tiny lesion on the brain. This disruption of abnormal brain activity significantly reduces tremors, offering patients newfound control over their movements.

Neville Waterstrom, a patient who has suffered from essential tremors for the past 30 years, shared his transformative experience.

"It’s been incredibly difficult to do even simple tasks like feed myself, and drinking out of a glass was just not a possibility," he said. "This procedure has completely changed my life. I haven’t been able to write properly for at least 20 years, and now – it’s just amazing. I can drink a glass of water again, and this is just one hour after the procedure."

The success of this incisionless surgery has garnered widespread attention, with the hospital sharing a video showcasing Neville's progress before and after the procedure. The video has since been viewed by millions, inspiring hope and showcasing the incredible potential of modern medical advancements.