A WOMAN has been unable to sleep properly since Christmas because a thief stole the control to a medical device implanted in her brain to stop a hereditary tremor. Without the control, the device cannot be switched off, keeping the brain active and making it hard for Rita Carlisle, 53, to sleep. The control was in Carlisle’s handbag when it was stolen in Farnborough, Hampshire, on December 23.
We, of course, cannot ascertain the type of device this patient has had implanted. In case it is The Activa Tremor Control System from Medtronic, perhaps performing the following maneuver, described on Medtronic’s Warnings/ Precautions/Adverse Events page, might help:
Theft detectors and security screening devices may cause stimulation to switch ON or OFF, and may cause some patients to experience a momentary increase in perceived stimulation.
UPDATE (Jan 2, 2005): The device is indeed a Medtronic system. For the love of God, please call Pc Robin Ellis on 0845 045 45 45 if you find it (remote control with the serial number 7436).
UPDATE (Jan 6, 2005): The end of story.