A hole in fred's head.

Winner of a Gold Award in the 1997 BMA Film and Video Competition,"A Hole in Fred's Head" follows Fred Amphlett and surgeon Steven Gill (Frenchay Hospital, Bristol) through the planning stages and surgery for a palodotomy. This radical form of brain surgery was devised by Steven Gill for the relief of Parkinsonian symptoms. It is a hazardous procedure, with almost no margin for error. The extent of Fred Amphlett's disability through Parkinson's disease is shown in the first part of the film. The operation is carried out in two stages, a week apart, and the first session is shown and explained. It is a success, relieving Mr. Amphlett of his worst symptoms. He is able to walk unaided and resume social activitis such as eating in a restaurant.