LIVING WITH DBS THERAPY
The technical information below is intended for patients who have already had Medtronic DBS System Prescribed and implanted by a healthcare professional. The technical information below is not intended to be a substitute for speaking to a doctor.
PATIENT PROGRAMMER
IMPORTANT GUIDELINES
- Learn the name and model number of the neurostimulator
- Make sure that family and friends know about the DBS system so they can help in an emergency.
Recovering at Home
After the surgery, the doctor or nurse will give instructions about care at home. These instructions often include information about medications, the healing process after surgery, and when to return to the daily activities.
THE HEALING PROCESS
Making a full recovery from surgery can take several weeks. During the healing process, there may be some discomfort at the incision sites on the scalp, and at the implantation site(s) for the neurostimulator(s). If there are unusual symptoms, contact a doctor.
Medication
Always follow the doctor’s instructions for taking medication.
DBS Therapy
Loss of coordination is a potential side effect of DBS therapy. Patients should exercise reasonable caution when participating in activities requiring coordination, including those that they were able to perform prior to receiving DBS therapy (eg, swimming).
For the most part, everyday activities shouldn't interfere with or damage the DBS system. Here are some common ones to avoid. See the patient manual provided by the doctor for a full list
BENDING, TWISTING, STRETCHING
Avoid activities that could place stress on the implanted components of the DBS system. Activities that include sudden, excessive, or repetitive bending, twisting or stretching may cause parts of the system to break or move. Talk with a doctor about what activities are safe.
SECURITY DEVICES AND METAL DETECTORS
Walking through some theft detectors or security gates, like those at airports and department stores, may increase the stimulation or turn off the neurostimulator.
Before walking through a security gate, show the Medtronic Device Identification Card to security and request a hand search. If a security wand is used, ask the security personnel to avoid placing it over the neurostimulator.
If you must pass through a gate, walk through the center at a normal pace, and don't lean on or linger at the gate.
ELECTRONIC DEVICES
Most household appliances and electronic devices that work properly and are properly grounded, like computers, will not interfere with the deep brain stimulation system.
When to Call The Doctor
Call the doctor if any of the following situations occur:
- Experiencing pain, redness, or swelling along the scalp, neck, or chest where the stimulation system is implanted
- Not getting relief from the symptoms even though the neurostimulator is turned on
- Feeling uncomfortable or painful sensations during stimulation (turn off the neurostimulator before calling the doctor)
- Cannot turn the neurostimulator off (or on) with the patient programmer
- Experiencing unexpected changes in the symptoms
- Experiencing any unusual symptoms that may be caused by electromagnetic interference (for example, from theft detectors or airport security)
- Losing the patient programmer
DEVICE CHECK-UPS
It's extremely important to attend all of the device check-up appointments.
The doctor will schedule these regular follow-up visits to:
- Ensure that the DBS system is functioning properly
- Adjust the stimulation as needed based on your symptom control
- Check neurostimulator battery status to determine if a device replacement will soon be needed
Helpful Tips
- Be sure to let all medical personnel know that you have an implanted DBS system, and tell them where it is located.
- If experiencing any unusual symptoms that may be related to the neurostimulator, contact the doctor.
- Attend all follow-up appointments to make sure getting the best care.
- When the neurostimulator is turned off, the symptoms will return. Some symptoms return quickly. Other symptoms may take longer to return.
Changes in Symptom Control
If symptoms persist, or if they worsen or change unexpectedly, talk to the health professional.
These changes may include:
- Reduced symptom relief
- No symptom relief
- Loss of effective stimulation
In many cases the doctor can correct these changes by reprogramming the DBS System. However, surgery may be required to reposition or replace the lead, replace the system, or remove the system.
Because the condition changes with time, it may improve, may worsen, or may remain unchanged with stimulation.
TROUBLESHOOTING
The DBS system is designed to deliver the stimulation at the levels that best meet the needs. If having any problems with the DBS system, contact a doctor.
IDENTIFICATION CARD
Always carry a card that identifies you as having an implanted device.
Medtronic places very high value on safety and security of the personal information.
The information is stored in a secure Medtronic network overseas as described in our Privacy Statement.
Update the records to get a new card. The Device Patient Identification Card will be mailed.