Harvey’s Story

This story recounts the experience of one individual who is receiving Medtronic Deep Brain Stimulation Therapy to reduce some of the movement-related symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. Please bear in mind that the experiences are specific to this particular person.

Living with Parkinson's Disease

Harvey was working as a pastor in Clarkdale, Arizona, when he noticed his first symptom. When he stretched out his arm, it shook. He ignored the tremor. Soon, his hand began cramping up.

Concerned that there was something wrong with his hand, Harvey saw a doctor who diagnosed him with Parkinson's disease. The treatment plan centered around medications to control his symptoms, which eventually included the curling up of the toes on his right foot, balance issues, difficulty speaking, and fatigue.

"My speech got pretty bad and I was dragging my foot so I was off balance," Harvey remembers. "The medications weren’t doing much for me. I didn't have enough 'on' time. I would feel good for a while and then I would crash."

As his condition worsened, Harvey grew increasingly isolated. "During that time, my three children graduated from school, and I missed each graduation."

Then, Harvey’s doctor referred him to a neurologist. At that appointment, Harvey learned about Medtronic Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) Therapy.

How DBS Helped Harvey

DBS Therapy uses a surgically implanted medical device much like a cardiac pacemaker to deliver electrical stimulation to precisely targeted areas within the brain. The stimulation is delivered through a medical wire called a lead, which is tunneled beneath the skin.

Stimulation of these areas blocks the signals that cause the disabling motor symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. The electrical stimulation can be noninvasively adjusted to maximize treatment benefits.

"I went into the surgery feeling pretty neutral about it—not excited or nervous," Harvey says. "The surgery didn't hurt. It was amazing. I was fascinated by it."

Risks of the Procedure and Stimulation

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. Occurrence of "fall" has also been reported in patients with Parkinson’s disease.

After three months, Harvey's DBS system was optimally programmed for his needs. Today, he sees the doctor once a month. After each programming session, Harvey feels hot and experiences waves of nausea. Within three days, he feels better.

In addition to DBS Therapy, Harvey also takes three oral medications for his Parkinson's disease.

"It’s a Remarkable Difference for Me."

Harvey worked for three years as a pastor with DBS Therapy before retiring. His current pastimes include working on cars. “I can still change the brakes on my car!” he says, enthusiastically. He also enjoys travelling.

"DBS Therapy has given me back hours of the day when I'm 'on.' I can schedule things and not worry about the down time. Because of that, I can do more and pursue my goal of living life to the fullest."

Not everyone who receives Medtronic DBS Therapy will receive the same results as the individual in this story; some people may experience significant symptom relief from DBS Therapy, and others may experience minimal symptom relief. Talk to your physician to determine if Medtronic DBS Therapy is right for you.

This story reflects one person’s experience. Not every person will receive the same results. Talk to your doctor about your treatment options.

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: 5 Mar 2012