Norma D.

Age: 74, Essential Tremor

What helped you decide to pursue Medtronic DBS Therapy?

I felt like I was not old enough to get the help I was having to ask for. I wanted to do more things before I got any older.

What Daily Victories have you achieved since receiving Medtronic DBS Therapy? What is life like with DBS Therapy? How has your therapy impacted those around you?

I can use a fork, brush my teeth better and in general live a better, healthier life. I can even do mending and use my sewing machine.

What has been most challenging in receiving Medtronic DBS Therapy?

Learning how to write again. I still have a way to go, but it is 100% better.

How has your neurologist (or other physician) helped with DBS Therapy?

His office has given all kinds of encouragement both before and after DBS.

What advice do you have for others who are considering Medtronic DBS Therapy?

It is not a surgery to be taken lightly. Make sure you are doing it only because you think it’s the right thing to do.

Medtronic invited this patient to share her story candidly. 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 doctor to determine if Medtronic DBS Therapy is right for you.

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.

This therapy is not for everyone. Please consult your physician. A prescription is required. For a complete list of adverse events that have been associated with the therapy, please refer to Important Safety Information.