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For the most part, DBS won’t impact the activities you can and cannot do. Here are some common activities to use caution with or avoid.
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 (e.g., swimming).
Avoid activities that include sudden excessive or repetitive bending, twisting, or stretching, which may cause parts of your system to break or move.
Walking through some theft detectors or security gates, like those at airports and department stores, may increase stimulation or turn off your neurostimulator.
Before walking through a security gate, show your 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 your 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.
Most household appliances and electronic devices that work properly and are properly grounded, like computers, will not interfere with your deep brain stimulation system.
If you or your loved one are currently a Medtronic DBS patient and have questions, please call Medtronic patient services at 800-510-6735, Monday–Friday 8 a.m.–5 p.m. CT.