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What to Expect After Deep Brain Stimulation Surgery

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) surgery is a life-changing procedure for individuals with movement disorders such as Parkinson's disease, essential tremor, and dystonia. While the surgery itself is a significant step towards managing symptoms, understanding the recovery process is crucial for patients and their families. Here's what you can expect after undergoing DBS surgery.

Immediate Post-Surgery Recovery

After DBS surgery, patients typically spend a few days in the hospital for monitoring. During this time, your doctor will ensure that the DBS device is functioning correctly and that there are no immediate complications. Post-surgical pain is usually mild and can be managed with oral pain medication. Swelling around the eyes and tenderness near the incisions are common and may last for a week or two.

Returning to Daily Activities

Most patients can resume their usual activities within a few days of surgery. However, it is advisable to take time off work and avoid strenuous activities for the first two weeks. Lifting heavy objects (more than 20 pounds) should be avoided for the first four to six weeks to allow proper healing. It's important to follow your doctor's specific recommendations to ensure a smooth recovery.

Programming and Adjustments

One of the unique aspects of DBS therapy is the need for post-surgical programming. The initial programming session can take several hours and involves adjusting the device settings to optimize symptom control. This process may require multiple doctor visits over the first few months to fine-tune the settings based on your specific needs. During this period, you may experience temporary sensations such as tingling or mild facial pulling as the device is adjusted.

Long-Term Management

DBS is not a cure, but it can significantly improve the quality of life for individuals with movement disorders. Long-term management involves regular follow-up appointments to monitor the device and make any necessary adjustments. Most patients find that their symptoms are well-controlled with DBS, allowing them to lead more active and independent lives.

Potential Risks and Complications

As with any surgical procedure, there are potential risks associated with DBS surgery. These can include infection, bleeding, or hardware-related issues. However, serious complications are rare, and the benefits of DBS often outweigh the risks for many patients. It's important to discuss any concerns with your healthcare provider to make an informed decision.

Living with DBS

Understanding what to expect after DBS surgery can help you prepare for the recovery process and set realistic expectations. With proper care and follow-up, DBS can be a highly effective treatment for managing movement disorders and improving overall quality of life. 

With a Boston Scientific DBS device, you'll have access to a variety of helpful resources like recovery and safety guides, FAQs, and detailed manuals to support you throughout your treatment journey. For more information, you can visit our DBS system support page or if you need personalized assistance, you can speak to a DBS Care Specialist today at 1-833-327-4636 (Monday-Friday, 5am-5pm PST).

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Indication for Use: The Boston Scientific Vercise™ PC, Vercise Gevia™, Vercise Genus™ Deep Brain Stimulation Systems are indicated for use in:
-Bilateral stimulation of the subthalamic nucleus (STN) as an adjunctive therapy in reducing some of the symptoms of moderate to advanced levodopa-responsive Parkinson’s disease (PD) that are not adequately controlled with medication.
-Bilateral stimulation of the internal globus pallidus (GPi) as an adjunctive therapy in reducing some of the symptoms of advanced levodopa-responsive Parkinson’s disease (PD) that are not adequately controlled with medication.
-Unilateral thalamic stimulation of the ventral intermediate nucleus (VIM) is indicated for the suppression of tremor in the upper extremity. The system is intended for use in patients who are diagnosed with essential tremor or parkinsonian tremor not adequately controlled by medications and where the tremor constitutes a significant functional disability. 
-Bilateral stimulation of the ventral intermediate nucleus (VIM) of the thalamus for the suppression of disabling upper extremity tremor in adult essential tremor patients whose tremor is not adequately controlled by medications and where the tremor constitutes a significant functional disability.

The Boston Scientific Vercise Deep Brain Stimulation System is indicated for use in:
-Bilateral stimulation of the subthalamic nucleus (STN) as an adjunctive therapy in reducing some of the symptoms of moderate to advanced levodopa-responsive Parkinson’s disease (PD) that are not adequately controlled with medication.

Contraindications: The Boston Scientific Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) Systems are not recommended for patients who will be exposed to the following procedures: Diathermy as either a treatment for a medical condition or as part of a surgical procedure, Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) and Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS).  The safety of these therapies in patients implanted with the Boston Scientific DBS System has not been established.  Patients implanted with Boston Scientific DBS Systems without ImageReady™ MRI Technology should not be exposed to Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). Patients implanted with the Vercise Gevia or Vercise Genus or Vercise Genus Mixed System with M8 Adapter or Vercise DBS Lead-Only System (before Stimulator is implanted) with ImageReady MRI Technology are Full Body MR Conditional only when exposed to the MRI environment under the specific conditions defined in ImageReady MRI Guidelines for Boston Scientific DBS Systems.  Boston Scientific DBS Systems are not recommended for patients who are unable to operate the system or are poor surgical candidates or who experience unsuccessful test stimulation.

Warnings: Unauthorized modification to the medical devices is prohibited.  You should not be exposed to high stimulation levels.  High level of stimulation may damage brain tissue.  Patients implanted with a Boston Scientific DBS System may be at risk for intracranial hemorrhages (bleeding in the brain) during DBS lead placement.  Strong electromagnetic fields, such as power generators, security screeners or theft detection systems, can potentially turn the stimulator off, or cause unpredictable changes in stimulation. The system should not be charged while sleeping.  If you notice new onset or worsening depression, changes in mood or behavior or impulse control, or have thoughts of suicide contact your physician or emergency services immediately.  Chemical burns may result if the Stimulator housing is ruptured or pierced.  The Boston Scientific DBS Systems may interfere with the operation of implanted stimulation devices, such as cardiac pacemakers, implanted cardioverter defibrillators, or medication delivery pumps. Patients should operate motorized vehicles or potentially dangerous machinery with caution.  It is unknown if the device may hurt an unborn baby. Your doctor may be able to provide additional information on the Boston Scientific DBS Systems.  For complete indications for use, contraindications, warnings, precautions, and side effects, see DBSandME.com or call 833-DBS-INFO or 833-327-4636.
Caution: U.S. Federal law restricts this device to sale by or on the order of a physician.