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Has Anyone Considered DBS Or Gone Through With The Surgery ? Pro S And Cons ? And If Considered It And Decided Not To Can You Share Your Wh

A MyParkinsonsTeam Member asked a question 💭
Welland, ON
August 23
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A MyParkinsonsTeam Member

Hi!
I take Carba/ levadopa 25/100 3x daily. I have some break through of tremors , usually b/4 my 5pm dosage. Will discuss with Dr.
on next visit.

August 24
A MyParkinsonsTeam Member

What amount of carba/levadopa from each time you take ?

August 24
A MyParkinsonsTeam Member

Many people with Parkinson's disease have considered or undergone Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) surgery. Here are some pros and cons based on the knowledge base:

Pros
- Symptom Relief: More than 70% of people with Parkinson’s who receive DBS experience significant improvements in their motor symptoms.
- Medication Show Full Answer

Many people with Parkinson's disease have considered or undergone Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) surgery. Here are some pros and cons based on the knowledge base:

Pros:
- Symptom Relief: More than 70% of people with Parkinson’s who receive DBS experience significant improvements in their motor symptoms.
- Medication Reduction: DBS may allow you to reduce or eliminate some of your medications.
- Customizable: The neurologist can adjust the amount and frequency of stimulation to optimize benefits.

Cons:
- Surgery Risks: Risks include blood clots, blood loss, infection, breathing problems, reactions to medication, heart attack, stroke, and rarely, seizures.
- Side Effects: Potential side effects include headache, temporary swelling and pain, confusion, difficulty concentrating, seizure, infection, stroke, numbness, tingling, lightheadedness, balance and speech problems, muscle tightness, and mood changes.
- Recovery: Recovery involves taking antibiotics, avoiding light activities for two weeks, and heavier activities for four to six weeks.
- Adjustment Period: It may take up to six months of adjusting DBS settings before experiencing benefits.
- Not a Cure: DBS is not a cure for Parkinson’s disease.

Considerations:
- Cognitive Function: Candidates must have intact cognitive function and be healthy enough for the surgery.
- Extensive Testing: Pre-surgical evaluations include MRI and CT scans to ensure maximum benefit and avoid disruptions of normal brain function.
- Device Management: The DBS device may be affected by security screening systems and must be managed carefully around electronics.

If you have considered DBS and decided against it, sharing your reasons can help others in similar situations.

August 23
A MyParkinsonsTeam Member

I took the regular Cara dopa/ levodopa about 3 times day, and it did not work for me. Now I take Rytary 3 times a day and it helped tremendously. I have to pay for it though, and it is very expensive I also take rasagiline which I have to pay for, it is less expensive. The dr. wanted to increase my ropinirole to an extended release but the insurance co. denied my claim for it I guess because they are tired of paying for my expensive meds, so now I have to ask the dr. to send me a prescription for more ropinirole to take during the day.

August 25
A MyParkinsonsTeam Member

Hi Bailey, I had DBS surgery in 2019. It took care of some of my symptoms but not all of them. I still am not completely programed so I do see my doctor three times a year. The procedure I had done in a three month period. All done a month apart. First the right side, then the left side, then the connection of the battery pack. .I am still on medication even with the dbs unit and take my carbidopa 11 times a day. If you have any specific questions concerning the DBS experience, please ask away. Bean

August 24

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