The hand that's shocked and able

"It's not just about managing to hit the target. You have to hit the bull's-eye," says Tian.

After Tian is happy the device works normally, he gives Jin leave to take her mother home to Kunming to recuperate. One of the tolls taken on Li's body by the condition, however, is that the years of shaking has sapped the strength in her arms, so she needs more time to recover. She also has to avoid the induction cooker because of its magnetic field, and be wary of thunderstorms.

"Compared to not being able to fend for herself these inconveniences are a small price to pay. The recovery process is worth it as she is getting better," says Jin.

The battery powering the device planted in Li's brain will last for at least 20 years, and each year, Li will need to visit Tian for a brief review, but that is all. Tian is also able to monitor Li's electrodes remotely and adjust their parameters as necessary.

Before her condition took hold, Li used to help out in the cafeteria of a local school and was a good cook. Jin has missed her mother's cooking, especially her fried chili with pork, and she hopes that, in the future, she'll be able to enjoy her mom's cooking once again-as long as it's done on a good old gas stove, of course.