Peter's Story
This story recounts the experience of one individual who is receiving Medtronic Deep Brain Stimulation Therapy to manage symptoms of dystonia. Please bear in mind that the experiences are specific to this particular person.
Living With Dystonia
Peter was diagnosed with generalized dystonia when he was a teenager, and progressive symptoms left him unable to walk or stand upright.
By the time Peter entered Carnegie Mellon University, where he earned his bachelor's and master's degrees, he had to sit on his right arm to prevent significant tremors and spasms. And he had to remain lying down for his wedding ceremony a few years ago.
Dystonia is a neurological movement disorder that causes involuntary muscle contractions. These contractions force certain parts of the body into abnormal, repetitive, twisting, and sometimes painful movements or postures.
The stress of law school intensified Peter's symptoms. He developed back and cervical problems from his compromised posture, and experienced significant pain in his arms, legs and hands. Classified as "homebound" by Medicare, Peter ate on the floor, lying on his side.
Initial Treatments
Peter's physicians treated his condition with a variety of medications. But some medications became less effective, and he was unable to tolerate the severe side effects of others.
How DBS Helped Peter
As part of his work with the Dystonia Medical Research Foundation (DMRF), Peter met Dr. Mahlon DeLong of Emory University. After examining Peter, Dr. DeLong recommended Medtronic Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) Therapy for Dystonia.
Peter was implanted with a Medtronic DBS System. As a result, he has been able to travel again. He now walks through the airport and no longer requires a wheelchair. He can also drive and sit straight up on the exercise bike at the gym.
After several years with DBS therapy, Peter now has very few visible symptoms of dystonia. He and his wife Sindee have traveled in Europe and the United States with little restrictions caused by dystonia, often taking long walks. He has now taken up running. “I hope to complete my first race soon.”
Risks of the Procedure and Stimulation
The major risks of the DBS procedure include paralysis, coma and/or death, bleeding inside the brain (intracranial hemorrhage), leakage of fluid surrounding the brain, and seizures.
Side effects of brain stimulation include tingling sensation, and temporary worsening of the patient's disease symptoms, speech problems like whispering and trouble forming words and vision problems.
Peter initially experienced some involuntary pulling in his hand and arm before his stimulation parameters were adjusted. For more information, go to Risks and Probable Benefits.
"It has helped me immensely."
While the effectiveness of DBS for dystonia has not been established and results differ for each patient, Peter is pleased with his results. "DBS has helped me immensely," he says. "I hope to improve even further and do even more of the things I used to do."
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?
Not everyone who receives Medtronic DBS Therapy will receive the same results as the individuals in this story; some people may experience significant symptom relief from DBS Therapy, and others may experience minimal symptom relief. Talk to your doctor to determine if Medtronic DBS Therapy is right for you.
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.
- Print Page
- E-mail Page
- A
- A
- A Text Size
