Your path to Deep Brain Stimulation
DBS is not a cure, but for many, it transforms their daily lives. From reduced symptoms to improved independence, DBS allows patients to regain control and pursue activities that once seemed impossible.
Treatment with DBS can include up to six phases, so the entire treatment from start to finish can take some time. However, a team of specialists will be on hand to provide you with advice and support during and after your DBS treatment.
Always remember your specialist team are there to help and provide guidance, even if you have achieved optimal response to your DBS system, we are with you every step of the way.
Expectation goals
As with all types of surgery, there is always a degree of risk of complications, it is important to remember this may not be a solution for everyone. Your specialist team will work with you to understand the best treatment and your personal goals from DBS surgery. It is important to keep in mind that despite all the efforts of your specialist team to select the best treatment adapted to you, patients do not all experience the same outcome. DBS is not a cure but can help you to achieve a better quality of life.
Keep in mind the following:
- DBS goals: Before embarking on the DBS journey, it is important to set DBS goals that are realistic and achievable. You will work closely with your specialist team to identify these goals. It may take some time to achieve the best therapy for you.
- Goal setting for parents & carers: Parents and carers will be involved in the goal setting.
- Approved for DBS: Once you are accepted for DBS surgery, your specialist team will discuss with you the risks and benefits of DBS surgery.
Managing your expectations:
- DBS will not be able to correct your speech, balance or cognitive function.
- After DBS surgery, you will most likely have medicine alongside your treatment. Although medications may slowly be reduced as your stimulation with the device takes effect. In one landmark DBS study, reduction in medication by nearly 30% was sustained out to five years.¹
The recovery period post hospital discharge should be relatively short, if you do not have any complications following your surgery at the hospital. You should make sure your wounds are always clean and dry, you need to keep in mind that your head, behind your ear, along your neck and in your chest will be sore and might be painful for a couple of days, or weeks. Post-surgical pain could be treated with a mild analgesic, therefore speak with your DBS team about it, if you feel you are experiencing any discomfort.
Sometimes successful DBS surgery can lead to a decrease in your medication and potentially reduce its side effects, though the treatment is not intended to replace your medication.
Yes, you can travel with your DBS system. Metal detectors, X-ray machines, security scanners, and other security devices will not damage the implant, but may cause unintentional stimulation. The implant may also activate metal detector alarms, so carrying your patient ID card with you at all times is recommended. If traveling abroad, you may need an outlet adapter to charge your system.
Yes, you can potentially have an MRI if your DBS devices is called Vercise Gevia, Vercise Genus P16 or Vercise Genus R16. These devices provide full-body MRI access* under certain conditions. However, it is important that you inform your DBS team of any medical exam, such as MRI, as they need to check that you are eligible for an MRI (such as electrodes and extensions implanted, position of the battery). Your battery will need to be placed in MRI mode for the full time of the exam, which will be achieved by the medical team using your remote control.
Loss of coordination is a potential side effect of DBS therapy. Patients should exercise reasonable caution when participating in activities requiring coordination, including those that they were able to perform prior to receiving DBS therapy (e.g., swimming).
While we don’t anticipate any interference caused by mobile phones, the full effects of interaction with mobile phones and your DBS device are unknown at this time. If you have a concern or problems, please contact your physician.
No, it's best to avoid using electric dental tools or ultrasonic cleaners near your DBS system because they can interfere with the neurostimulator and its components. Instead, ask your hygienist to clean your teeth manually.
Patients should avoid receiving massage therapy near the implanted system components. If a patient does receive massage therapy, the patient should inform the masseuse that they have an implanted device and show him/her where the stimulator, DBS leads and extensions are located. The patient should advise the masseuse to avoid these areas and proceed with caution.
This material is for informational Purposes only and not meant for medical diagnosis. This information does not constitute medical or legal advice, and Boston Scientific makes no representation regarding the medical benefits included in this information. Boston Scientific strongly recommends that you consult with your physician on all matters pertaining to your health.
CAUTION: The law restricts these devices to sale by or on the order of a physician. Indications, contraindications, warnings, and instructions for use can be found in the product labelling supplied with each device or at www.IFU-BSCI.com. Products shown for INFORMATION purposes only and may not be approved or for sale in certain countries. This material not intended for use in France.
References:
1. Vitek JL, Jain R, Chen L, et al. Subthalamic nucleus deep brain stimulation with a multiple independent constant current-controlled device in Parkinson’s disease (INTREPID): a multicenter, double-blind, randomised, sham-controlled study. Lancet Neurology. 2020;19(6):491‐501. doi:10.1016/S1474-4422(20)30108-3.
*MRI conditional when all conditions of use are met.