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

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.

Will I Have Any Control Over the System Settings?

This will depend on what type of system you receive and the therapy needs determined by your doctor. You may be able to control certain functions of your implanted neurostimulation system by using your DBS Therapy controller or patient programmer, depending on the type of system you receive.

This may include:

• Turning the neurostimulator ON and OFF
• Controlling the intensity of stimulation (if permitted by your system model and your doctor)
• Checking the therapy controller battery status
• Checking the neurostimulator battery status

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