After Surgery – DBS Therapy
Medtronic Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) Therapy for dystonia is a long-term treatment that requires on-going involvement from you and your healthcare team to be successful. Following the implantation of the Medtronic DBS system, you’ll work closely with your team to make sure the treatment meets your specific needs.
Recovery
The length of hospitalization for implantation of the DBS system varies. Most individuals recover quickly and experience little discomfort while healing. However, doctors advise against overexertion for several weeks after implantation.
Your clinician will decide when to turn on your neurostimulator. It’s usually turned on after healing is complete (about 4 weeks).
Checkups and Monitoring
You may not experience immediate symptom relief from the treatment. In fact, it may take 12 to 18 months after the procedure to reach maximum effect. Visits to your clinic for initial programming after surgery and periodic adjustments are a routine part of DBS treatment.
During these checkups, your doctor may evaluate your comfort and range of motion in the area of the neurostimulator and extension. You may also have an X-ray to check placement of the neurostimulation system.
Adjusting Stimulation Levels
Your clinician will program your neurostimulator to best manage your symptoms while minimizing side effects. Follow-up appointments will be scheduled to achieve the best symptom control for you. It may require several visits to adjust the stimulation before the right settings are determined.
Humanitarian Device: Medtronic DBS Therapy has been authorized by Federal Law for the use as an aid in the management of chronic, intractable (drug refractory) primary dystonia. The effectiveness of this device for this use has not been demonstrated. What does this mean?
Information on this site should not be used as a substitute for talking with your doctor. Always talk with your doctor about diagnosis and treatment information.
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