Am I a Candidate for Medtronic DBS Therapy?

Medtronic DBS Therapy is a treatment that can improve some of the symptoms of Parkinson's disease. Take this simple quiz to better understand if you might be a candidate.

1. Do you experience troubling "off" periods (periods when medication is not helping enough and you are experiencing symptoms)?

   Yes    No

2. Do you experience troubling dyskinesias (involuntary excessive movements)?

   Yes    No

3. Do you take frequent doses of dopaminergic drugs (Levodopa, Sinemet*, Stalevo*, Parcopa*) in a typical day? 

   Yes    No

4. Despite having tried several drug combinations, do you experience any of the following troubling side effects: sleepiness, nausea, hallucinations, confusion/other thinking problems, lightheadedness upon standing, behavioral/personality changes.

   Yes    No

If you answered "Yes" to some of the questions above, ask your doctor if Medtronic DBS Therapy is right for you. Or find a DBS Therapy specialist. You may be a candidate for this type of treatment.

How to Find a DBS Specialist

To find out whether DBS Therapy is right for you, seek an evaluation by a trained DBS specialist. Most larger academic medical centers in the United States now have DBS specialists. Your primary care doctor or neurologist may be able to recommend a DBS specialist, or you can use an online tool to find a DBS specialist.

Most DBS providers require a referral from your primary care doctor or neurologist, as well as progress notes from your doctor and any imaging records.

If, for some reason, your doctor is unable to provide a referral, you can seek out a movement disorder specialist on your own. In this case, arrange for your doctor’s office to send a copy of your medical record and test results to the specialist.

What to Expect in a DBS Evaluation

• A careful medical history
• A careful neurological exam, including a focused Parkinson's exam in the "on" and "off" levodopa states (with the presumption that you’re already taking some form of the medication levodopa)
• Comprehensive neuropsychological testing to determine cognitive functions, memory, mood, behavioral functions, and coping ability
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain to determine if there are any issues that would pose a risk during surgery, since DBS lead wires are implanted into the brain
• Physical and relevant lab tests, such as a blood test to make sure your blood clots properly