BENEFITS AND RISKS DEEP BRAIN STIMULATION FOR ESSENTIAL TREMOR

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) may help control the symptoms of essential tremor, including rhythmic shaking. Find out about the benefits of Medtronic DBS Therapy and safety considerations. Then you will be prepared for a conversation with your doctor about whether DBS may be right for you.

REDUCES TREMOR

Medtronic DBS Therapy reduces tremor in one upper extremity, which typically includes one arm and hand.1

Clinical studies have shown that Medtronic DBS Therapy for essential tremor provides improved ability to do everyday activities, less tremor, and less disability (as reported by the patients).1

BETTER START TO YOUR DAY

DBS delivers therapy 24 hours a day — it doesn’t wear off while you sleep. It’s already working the moment you wake up. 

PERSONALIZED FOR YOU

Your doctor programs your DBS system to provide the best symptom control for you. As your symptoms change over time, the programming can be changed.

KEEP YOUR FUTURE OPTIONS OPEN

Unlike some surgeries for essential tremor, deep brain stimulation is reversible. The system can be turned off or removed, in most cases, and won’t limit your future treatment options.

ACCESS TO MRI SCANS ANYWHERE ON THE BODY

We know it’s important that you have safe* access to MRI if you need this important test to diagnose a medical condition or injury. We offer the first full-body MR Conditional DBS systems, which means it is safe to have scans anywhere on the body with some Medtronic DBS devices under certain conditions.

LEADING THE WAY IN DBS

Deep brain stimulation development2 started in 1987 and Medtronic has been the leader in the field ever since. Medtronic DBS Therapy for Tremor Control was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 1997.

SAFETY INFORMATION AND RISKS

Placing the DBS system requires brain surgery, which could have serious and even fatal complications including coma, bleeding inside the brain, stroke, seizures, and infection. Once implanted, the system may become infected, parts may wear through your skin, and the lead and/or 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 symptoms to return or worsen. Medtronic DBS Therapy may cause new or worsening neurological symptoms, including motor and speech, and psychiatric disorders. 

In patients receiving Medtronic DBS Therapy, depression, suicidal thoughts, and suicide have been reported.

For complete safety information about Medtronic DBS Therapy, please consult your doctor, call Medtronic at 800-328-0810, or go to Important Safety Information. 

Footnotes

*

Medtronic DBS systems are MR Conditional which means they are safe for MRI scans only under certain conditions. If the conditions are not met, the MRI could cause tissue heating especially at the implanted lead(s) in the brain which may result in serious and permanent injury or death. Before having an MRI, always talk with the doctor who manages your DBS Therapy to determine your eligibility and discuss potential benefits and risks of MRI. For further information, please call Medtronic at 800-328-0810.

References

1

Medtronic DBS Therapy for Parkinson's Disease and Essential Tremor Clinical Summary, 2015.

2

Miocinovic S, Somayajula S, Chitnis S, Vitek J. History, Applications, and Mechanisms of Deep Brain Stimulation. JAMA Neurol. 2013;70(2):163-171.