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To Anyone Was Had DBS Done,

A MyParkinsonsTeam Member asked a question 💭
San Antonio, TX

How often did you change your programmer, I don’t feel any difference. My on time is 3 to 4 hours , the same as before I had the DBS surgery.

February 6, 2023
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A MyParkinsonsTeam Member

Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) for Parkinson's Disease involves the following steps and considerations:

Surgery Details
1. First Surgery:
- Duration: 3 to 6 hours.
- Anesthesia: Local anesthetic to numb the scalp.
- Procedure:
- A stereotactic frame keeps the head still.
- Electrodes are placed in the Show Full Answer

Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) for Parkinson's Disease involves the following steps and considerations:

Surgery Details:
1. First Surgery:
- Duration: 3 to 6 hours.
- Anesthesia: Local anesthetic to numb the scalp.
- Procedure:
- A stereotactic frame keeps the head still.
- Electrodes are placed in the brain.
- A neurostimulator is placed near the collarbone.
- A wire connects the electrodes to the neurostimulator.
- Hospital Stay: 2 to 3 days.

2. Second Surgery:
- Timing: About a week after the first surgery.
- Anesthesia: General anesthetic.
- Procedure:
- A pulse generator with batteries is placed on the chest wall.
- A wire connects the pulse generator to the neurostimulator.
- Hospital Stay: Less than 24 hours.

Post-Surgery Care:
- Wound Care: Instructions provided by a doctor or nurse.
- Antibiotics: To prevent infection.
- Activity Restrictions:
- Avoid light activities (e.g., sex, cleaning) for 2 weeks.
- Avoid heavy activities (e.g., exercise, work) for 4 to 6 weeks.

Activation and Adjustment:
- Programming: Done by a neurologist a few weeks after surgery.
- Control: The device can be turned on/off with a remote control.
- Battery Life: 3 to 5 years.
- Medication: May still be needed; consult a neurologist before making changes.

Potential Benefits:
- Symptom Relief: Significant improvement in motor symptoms for over 70% of patients.
- Medication Reduction: Possible reduction or elimination of some medications.

Risks and Side Effects:
- Surgical Risks: Blood clots, blood loss, infection, breathing problems, reactions to medication, heart attack, stroke, seizures.
- Device Risks: Infection, malfunction, interference with security systems.
- Stimulation Side Effects: Numbness, tingling, lightheadedness, balance and speech problems, muscle tightness, mood changes.

Important Considerations:
- Candidacy: Extensive testing to determine suitability.
- Cognitive Function: Must be intact.
- Health: Must be healthy enough for surgery.
- Communication: Stay in close contact with your neurologist.

For more detailed information, you can visit the source: [Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) for Parkinson's Disease | MyParkinsonsTeam](https://www.MyParkinsonsTeam.com/treatments/dee...).

July 30
A MyParkinsonsTeam Member

I've been seeing my doctor about once a month for tweaks. I am able to adjust the settings some. I am still having off times but the movements during those off times is so much better than it was before.

February 8, 2023
A MyParkinsonsTeam Member

My husband has had the DBS for over 7 years he has never changed his program it is always changed by the doctor or midtronic rep at the doctors office
Do you take any kind of meds to help with the off time

February 7, 2023

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