Introduction to DBS Therapy

Medtronic DBS Therapy has been proven to improve symptoms of Parkinson's disease related to movement, including tremor, stiffness, and slowness. The therapy uses an implanted medical device (similar to a pacemaker).

When DBS Therapy Helps

Treatment for Parkinson's disease begins with medications that can help with symptoms like tremor, stiffness, and slowness. These symptoms happen because the disease is destroying brain cells that produce a chemical called dopamine that helps control movements. The medication can increase the amount of dopamine in the brain or mimic its effects.

As time goes on, the symptoms of Parkinson's disease grow worse. You need to take a higher dose, or additional medications that can have disturbing side effects. At that point, when medications are becoming less effective, it's time to talk with your doctor about Medtronic DBS Therapy.

How DBS Therapy Helps

DBS Therapy uses an implanted medical device to send mild electrical signals to an area of the brain that controls movement. As a result, DBS Therapy blocks some of the brain messages that cause the muscle symptoms associated with Parkinson's disease.

Benefits of Medtronic DBS Therapy

Medtronic DBS Therapy has been proven to reduce some of the symptoms associated with Parkinson's disease. It may help you experience greater control over your body.

• Effective. When used in combination with medications, Medtronic DBS Therapy may improve symptoms of Parkinson's disease by increasing "on" time without dyskinesias as much as 5 hours per day.¹
• Long-lasting. In another study, Medtronic DBS Therapy was shown to improve motor symptoms even after 5 years.²
• Adjustable. The stimulation settings can be adjusted to respond to your symptoms.
• Reversible. The Medtronic DBS Therapy system can be turned off or removed.
• Established. More than 80,000 people worldwide have received Medtronic Therapy over the past 20 years.

Medtronic DBS Therapy helps control symptoms, but it's not a cure. Your symptoms will return when the system is turned off.

Potential Side Effects and Risks

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. Occurrence of "fall" has also been reported in patients with Parkinson's disease.

Talk to your doctor about the risks that may be applicable to your specific situation.

Next: How It Works

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References

1. Medtronic DBS Therapy Clinical Summary, 2009.
2. Krack P, Batir A, Van Blercom N, et al. Five-year follow-up of bilateral stimulation of subthalamic nucleus in advanced Parkinson's disease. N Engl J Med. November 2003;349(20):1925-1933.