Programming the DBS Therapy System

After the implant procedure, you'll need to have follow-up visits with your clinician to program your DBS Therapy system. Your doctor or nurse will use a wireless device called a clinician programmer to turn on and program your neurostimulator. This programming session sets the stimulation to best manage your symptoms while minimizing side effects.

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.

People respond to Medtronic DBS Therapy in their own way, and the program for the neurostimulator is customized to meet your individual needs.

When Does the First Programming Session Happen?

The timing of the first session to program your Medtronic DBS Therapy system will depend on:

• Your response to the procedure
• Whether your implants were done in a single procedure or in two separate procedures
• Your doctor's recommendations

You may be asked to stop taking some or all of your medications for 12 to 24 hours before the programming session. This is done to increase the effectiveness of the programming in reducing your usual symptoms.

Your clinician will schedule follow-up appointments to fine-tune the DBS Therapy settings. It may take several visits to adjust the stimulation before the right settings are determined.

What Happens During Regular Check-ups?

Your doctor may require regular checkups to make sure the DBS System is working properly. During these checkups, your doctor may evaluate your comfort and range of motion in the area of the neurostimulator and extension. Your doctor may also x-ray the area to evaluate the placement of the system.

During these evaluations for pediatric patients, your child's doctor may decide that a longer extension needs to be placed to allow the system to continue to function as your child's body grows,. Placing a longer extension requires another surgical procedure. Your child's doctor will also check the programming of the neurostimulator. As your child grows, the doctor may need to adjust the settings of the stimulation or reprogram the electrodes that are used to deliver stimulation. These programming changes can be done during a visit to the doctor's office, and do not require additional surgery.

Will I Have Any Control Over the System Settings?

Only your doctor or nurse can control the system settings, using a programmer to set the parameters of the neurostimulator. You may receive a hand-held controller that will allow you to turn the neurostimulator on or off.

Next: Common Questions

*Humanitarian Device: The effectiveness of this device for the treatment of dystonia has not been demonstrated.