I had my second DBS programming session with Dr. Davis.
What should you expect at a programming appoitment?
Your doctor will check the device to make sure it is functioning properly. He/She will then evaluate which stimulator setting improves your symptoms and which ones cause side effects. You will leave this appointment with your stimulator on; however, it may take several weeks to months to achieve maximum benefit. For patients with Parkinson’s disease, our goal is to get you to your best “on” more consistently.
Doctor Davis slowly adjusted the settings. Though not as eventful as the first programming session, she tweaked the DBS and fine-tuned it with my brain! This process will continue for a few more weeks and she will continue to adjust the DBS settings in the next couple of sessions. The goal is to find my sweet spot until it greatly reduces the neurological symptoms that affect me because of Parkinson’s disease.
THERE ARE FOUR PARAMETERS THAT CAN BE ADJUSTED FOR STIMULATION:
- CONTACTS – There are metal contacts on the lead that can be used for stimulation. Also known
as “electrodes.” - FREQUENCY – The number of times in a second that the stimulation pulses.
- PULSE WIDTH – The duration in micro-seconds of each stimulation pulse.
- VOLTAGE – The main parameter used to control the intensity of the stimulation for the Medtronic
system. - CONSTANT CURRENT – The main parameter used to control the intensity of the stimulation for
the Abbott and Boston Scientific systems
How long will it take for your symptoms to improve?
Some patients note improvement after the first programming session, while others may require several sessions for improvement. DBS requires patience and an understanding that we may need to try several settings to find the one that works best for you. It often takes 3-6 months to achieve maximum benefit.
There is no cure for Parkinson’s. As time goes on, the disease progresses. DBS is a surgical procedure that can be used to treat a variety of disabling neurological symptoms. In my case, it reduces my tremor, rigidity, stiffness, slow movement, and walking problems.
If this is something that may interest you, pursue it, ask questions about it, research it …
Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) has its own unique vocabulary. The following are a few terms you will hear during your programming sessions:
- LEAD: This is the small wire in your brain kept in place with a small plastic cap (the bump you feel below your scalp). May also be called “electrodes.”
- IPG (Implantable Pulse Generator): This is the power source and is located in the chest. Some patients may have the IPG implanted in the abdomen. May also be called “battery” or “generator.”
- PATIENT CONTROLLER: This allows you to turn the DBS on or off and to make certain adjustments as needed. Also known as “patient programmer” or “hand-held programmer”.
How many programming appointments will I need?
This varies from patient to patient, but as a general guideline you can expect weekly-monthly appointments for several months following the initial programming and then quarterly appointments thereafter. Once the stimulation is optimized, patients will need minor adjustments and battery checks two or three times per year.
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