Ten Requirements When Considering Surgery for Implantation of Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS)

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) involves placement of thin electrical wires called electrodes into areas of the brain whose firing becomes disorganized from dopamine deficiency as caused by Parkinson's disease.
Details of this procedure have been described elsewhere in other articles.
Ultimately, as a Parkinson's sufferer, the real question to ask is, "what would it be about my particular case of Parkinson's disease that would compel me to take the risk, time, and expense of subjecting myself to this extensive neurosurgical procedure?" Here are 10 reasons to consider undergoing this surgical procedure: Here are 10 reasons to consider undergoing surgical DBS placement: 1.
Near the end of L-Dopa responsiveness: I have been on several medications including L-dopa which still works but my symptoms are poorly controlled to the point that increasing my L-dopa only produces side effects like dystonic movements.
2.
Experiencing "on-off" symptom relief: L-dopa works for me sometimes.
However, sometimes it works and other times it seems absolutely ineffective.
This is called "on-off" phenomenon.
3.
Quality-of-life deterioration: Although to my symptoms are under decent control with L-dopa, when I look at the big picture, the quality of my life has deteriorated significantly and would improve greatly if some of my symptoms were relieved, even at least to a partial degree.
4.
Ability to Commit: I am good about keeping appointments and paying close attention to details regarding my illness.
Once a DBS stimulator system is installed, one becomes committed to a lifetime of maintenance checks, reprogramming, necessary adjustments, and adequate follow-up.
Without such a commitment, a poorly adjusted a DBS stimulator system could cause more problems than it's worth in the way of dystonic movements and generally poor control of symptoms.
5.
A Modicum or Patience: if it I have the patience to subject myself to extensive evaluations, scans, consultations, and the ability (some relaxing sedation will be provided in most cases) to sit awake in the middle of a neurosurgical procedure so that I may give feedback to the surgeons regarding the effectiveness of their electrode placement.
Serious anxiety disorder or other serious mental illness will impair the necessary intra-operative cooperation.
6.
Financial support or adequate funds: I have the go-ahead from my insurance company, Medicare, or other HMO, PPO or governmental organization involved in the provision of healthcare, or, I am independently wealthy and the expenditure of US$50,000-US$100,000 out of my pocket would be inconsequential to me.
7.
Professional Agreement: At least two neurosurgeons experienced in the placement of DBS simulator systems have looked at my case in detail and consider me to be a good candidate.
8.
Responsibility: I have full power of attorney over my medical decisions.
I am the one reading this article.
9.
Realistic expectations: Although I am positive and hopeful, I realize that DBS will not eliminate all my symptoms, nor free me completely from the need to take supplemental medication.
10.
Moderate not severe disability:.
My level of disability is not such that I am wheelchair bound nor in the care of a nursing facility.
Though deep brain stimulation can prove quite effective in alleviating symptoms in the right patients, the final answer to that question becomes a very personal decision.
Accurate information is always essential in making important decisions I recommend that in addition to doing your own research on the Internet, you discuss your particular case in detail with at the very minimum, (see #7) two qualified neurosurgeons who have significant experience in working with DBS.