Benefits and Risks – DBS Therapy

Although there is currently no cure for Parkinson's disease, Medtronic Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) Therapy for Parkinson's disease (PD) can treat some of the disabling motor symptoms of Parkinson's disease.¹ DBS does not cure the underlying condition. If the therapy is discontinued, your symptoms will return.

Benefits

DBS has been proven to reduce some of the motor symptoms associated with Parkinson's disease.¹

Medtronic DBS Therapy is currently approved to treat Parkinson’s disease, essential tremor, and dystonia. Since 1997, more than 55,000 patients worldwide have benefited from Medtronic DBS Therapy.²

Deep Brain Stimulation Therapy is:

• Effective – The Medtronic DBS System delivers stimulation to targeted areas in the brain. In the PD clinical study, 87% of patients demonstrated improved motor scores in the OFF medication state at the end of the 12 month evaluation.²
• Adjustable – Stimulation parameters can be set by your clinician to meet your specific needs.
• Reversible – Unlike other surgical treatments, DBS Therapy does not involve the removal or destruction of any part of your brain. The Medtronic DBS system may be turned off or removed if necessary.

Risks

Risks of DBS Therapy can include risks of surgery, side effects, or device complications. Implanting the neurostimulator system carries the same risks associated with any other brain surgery.

Your doctor can provide more information about these and other potential risks and side effects. Many side effects related to stimulation can be managed by adjusting the stimulation settings. Several follow-up visits may be needed to find the best stimulation settings for you.

Risks of surgery may include:

• Paralysis, coma, and/or death
• Bleeding inside the brain (intracranial haemorrhage)
• Leakage of fluid surrounding the brain
• Seizures 
• Infection
• Allergic response to implanted materials
• Temporary or permanent neurological complications
• Confusion or attention problems
• Pain at the surgery sites
• Headache

Side Effects

Possible side effects of brain stimulation may include:

• Tingling sensation (paraesthesia)
• Temporary worsening of symptoms
• Speech problems like whispering (dysarthria), and trouble forming words (dysphasia)
• Vision problems (double vision)
• Dizziness or lightheadedness (disequilibrium)
• Facial and limb muscle weakness or partial paralysis (paresis)
• Abnormal, involuntary movements (chorea, dystonia, dyskinesia)
• Movement problems or reduced coordination
• Jolting or shocking sensation
• Numbness (hypoesthesia)

Device Complications

Possible device complications include:

• Pain, lack of healing, or infection where the Medtronic DBS System components are implanted
• Infection or scarring caused by the system components eroding through your skin
• Readjustment surgery if the lead or lead/extension connector moves, or if mechanical or electrical problems occur
• An allergic reaction to or rejection of the system by your body
• Tissue damage resulting from programming parameters or a malfunction of one of the parts of the system

References

1. Activa Therapy Clinical Summary, 2003
2. Data on File at Medtronic, Inc.

Section Navigation

• About DBS Therapy
• What Is It?
• Our DBS Therapy Products
  • Activa PC Neurostimulator
  • Activa RC Neurostimulator
  • Soletra Neurostimulator
  • Kinetra Neurostimulator
  • Activa Patient Programmer
  • Access Patient Controller
  • Access Review Patient Controller
• Benefits and Risks

• Personal Stories

Additional information