Risks and Probable Benefits – DBS Therapy

Medtronic Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) Therapy for dystonia uses a surgically implanted medical device, similar to a cardiac pacemaker, to deliver electrical stimulation to precisely targeted areas within the brain.

Probable Benefits

DBS Therapy for Dystonia may help control your symptoms, but it is not a cure. When you turn on the DBS system, it will deliver stimulation that may decrease some or all of your symptoms. Your symptoms will return when the system is turned off.

Deep Brain Stimulation Therapy is:

Adjustable – Stimulation parameters can be set to meet your specific needs.
Reversible – Unlike other surgical treatments, DBS Therapy does not involve the destruction or removal of any part of your brain. The Medtronic DBS system may be removed.

Risks

DBS Therapy requires brain surgery. Risks of brain surgery may include serious complications such as coma, bleeding inside the brain, seizures and infection. Some of these may be fatal. Once implanted, the system may become infected, parts may wear through your skin, and the lead or lead/extension connector may move. Medtronic DBS Therapy could stop suddenly because of mechanical or electrical problems. Any of these situations may require additional surgery or cause your symptoms to return.

Medtronic DBS Therapy may cause worsening of some motor symptoms associated with your movement disorder, and may cause speech and language impairments. Stimulation parameters may be adjusted to minimize side effects and attain maximum symptom control. In patients receiving Medtronic DBS Therapy, depression, suicidal thoughts and suicide have been reported.

Next: Questions and Answers

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.

Last updated: 9 Jan 2012