Amazing story of rebooting Kimberly’s brain featured on TV show

March 9, 2018

Over the past 7 years, I’ve been battling, both Autoimmune Encephalitis and Epilepsy.  I’m very grateful to have received comprehensive care, including two brain surgeries, from an amazing team of neurologists at UCSF.  I’m very hopeful that what my case has enabled my doctors to discover will ultimately help others, and it’s my goal to pass along all that I’ve been lucky to learn and receive.  I’ve had the opportunity to share my story on their local CBS TV show, Eye on Health, and I’d be honored for you to watch my segment called Rebooting Kimberly’s Brain.

Kimberly’s brain with RNS implanted

After my first surgery in March, 2016, my seizures were minimal and I had received the emotional stability I had always wished for. I submitted a blog to AEA, which Spencer graciously posted on November 22, 2016 entitled “Incredible first person account of surviving AE.”

Unfortunately, throughout this past year, my seizure frequency continued to increase and, by May, I was ready for a 2nd surgery.  On May 19th, Dr. Edward Chang was able to remove the remaining portion of my left insula and a Responsive Neurostimulation System (RNS) was implanted near my left operculum, the remaining area causing seizure activity.  Having the RNS provides me with comfort and safety, which is leading me down a wonderful road to recovery.

Many thanks to Kimberly Bari for her bravery in being among the first, if not THE first survivor of AE to have brain surgery and for sharing this phenomenal story with the AE Alliance. We wish you all the best in your bright future Kimberly. You are an inspiration to all of us!