FAQs you can use
As you research DBS or begin living with a DBS System, you will likely have questions. We understand. Below are some FAQs to help along your journey. If you do not find an answer to your question, browse our resources or reach out to our Patient Care Team. We’re always here to help.
New to DBS - FAQs
Two decades of DBS treatment to over 100,000 people has shown both the short- and long-term safety of DBS.1,2 DBS surgery should be carried out by an experienced neurosurgeon working as part of an interdisciplinary team. As with any surgical procedure, there are risks and potential side effects, which vary by person. Though most are temporary and will go away as your therapy is optimized, you should discuss these risks with your physicians.3,4,5,6
The ideal candidate is a person with Parkinson’s disease who continues to respond positively to levodopa treatment but is unable to control motor symptoms with medication alone. If you have been diagnosed with Essential Tremor, the ideal candidate is a person whose medication no longer controls their essential tremor, or the amount they need causes severe side effects. Ask your neurologist and other physicians if DBS is a suitable therapy for you and your symptoms.7
For those with Medicare, DBS therapy will be covered. Most other health plans will also cover DBS, though your doctor or hospital may need to provide an authorization prior to the procedure.
Sometimes successful DBS surgery can lead to a decrease in your medication and potentially reduce its side effects, though the treatment is not intended to replace your medication.5
A DBS battery's life is dependent on its stimulation settings and conditions. The non-rechargeable Vercise Genus™ P16 System will last minimum of 3 years with nominal settings. A rechargeable Vercise Genus™ R16 System is warrantied up to 15 years.
The Vercise Genus™ DBS System does provide full-body MRI access** under certain conditions. If your system does not meet those conditions other imaging options (including X-rays, CT scans, PET scans, and ultrasounds) may be available. Always consult your doctor to learn which imaging modality will be your best option.8
Typically, DBS batteries are placed in the upper chest, near the area a pacemaker would be. However, a DBS implant can be inserted on the other side of your chest.8
Yes, you can travel with your DBS System. Metal detectors, X-ray machines, security scanners, and other security devices will not damage the implant, but may cause unintentional stimulation. The implant may also activate metal detector alarms, so carrying your patient ID card with you at all times is recommended. If traveling abroad, you may need an outlet adapter to charge your system.8
During initial programming, you may experience a tingling sensation. This helps pinpoint your ideal settings. Afterwards, most patients hardly notice the device—though some do experience a slight tingling in the arm or leg, or mild tension in facial muscles that often subsides.8
No, the DBS device is completely silent.8
Since the DBS stimulator and wires are placed under the skin, they are hardly noticeable from the outside. For thin patients, the stimulator site will be slightly raised, and the wire may appear like a slightly larger vein, but this should not be noticeable through clothing. The incision usually leaves a small scar.8
Yes, the following organizations are dedicated to supporting patients with PD by providing valuable resources, support, the latest research, fundraising, and more. Parkinson’s Foundation, Davis Phinney, American Parkinson’s Disease Association, and Parkinson Alliance. If you or a loved one are living with Essential Tremor, the International Essential Tremor Foundation provides valuable resources and support.
Living with DBS - FAQs
Sometimes successful DBS surgery can lead to a decrease in your medication and potentially reduce its side effects, though the treatment is not intended to replace your medication.5
A DBS battery's life is dependent on its stimulation settings and conditions. The non-rechargeable Vercise Genus™ P16 System will last minimum of 3 years with nominal settings. A rechargeable Vercise Genus™ R16 System is warrantied up to 15 years.
The Vercise Genus™ DBS System does provide full-body MRI access* under certain conditions. If your system does not meet those conditions other imaging options (including X-rays, CT scans, PET scans, and ultrasounds) may be available. Always consult your doctor to learn which imaging modality will be your best option.8
Yes, you can travel with your DBS System. Metal detectors, X-ray machines, security scanners, and other security devices will not damage the implant, but may cause unintentional stimulation. The implant may also activate metal detector alarms, so carrying your patient ID card with you at all times is recommended. If traveling abroad, you may need an outlet adapter to charge your system.8
During initial programming, you may experience a tingling sensation. This helps pinpoint your ideal settings. Afterwards, most patients hardly notice the device—though some do experience a slight tingling in the arm or leg, or mild tension in facial muscles that often subsides.8
Yes, the following organizations are dedicated to supporting patients with PD by providing valuable resources, support, the latest research, fundraising, and more. Parkinson’s Foundation, Davis Phinney, American Parkinson’s Disease Association, and Parkinson Alliance. If you or a loved one are living with Essential Tremor, the International Essential Tremor Foundation provides valuable resources and support.
Useful Links
As you look for additional information on DBS and Parkinson’s disease, you may find the information from these organizations helpful:
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Making the switch
Over 10 years ago, Bill went through the DBS procedure with the only company offering the device at the time. His results were promising at first. When he noticed some of his symptoms returning, he decided to explore his options. He discovered he could switch to a Boston Scientific DBS System through an outpatient procedure. Watch his full story and hear his results.
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Results from different clinical investigations are not directly comparable. Information provided for educational purposes only.
Results from case studies are not necessarily predictive of results in other cases. Results in other cases may vary.
References: 1. American Parkinson Disease Association. What is Parkinson's disease? Accessed June 30, 2021. https://www.apdaparkinson.org/what-is-parkinsons 2. Parkinson’s Foundation. Statistics. Accessed June 30, 2021. https://www.parkinson.org/Understanding-Parkinsons/Statistics 3. Knoop CD, Kadish R, Hager K, Park MC, Loprinzi PD, LaFaver K. Bridging the gap in patient education for DBS surgery for Parkinson’s disease. Parkinson’s Dis. 2017;2017:9360354. doi:10.1155/2017/9360354 4. Okun MS, Foote KD. Parkinson’s disease DBS: what, when, who and why? The time has come to tailor DBS targets. Expert Rev Neurother. 2010;10(12):1847–1857. doi: 10.1586/ern.10.156 5. Timmermann L, Jain R, Chen L, et al. Multiple-source current steering in subthalamic nucleus deep brain stimulation for Parkinson’s disease (the VANTAGE study): a non-randomised, prospective, multicentre, open-label study. Lancet Neurol. 2015;14:693-701. doi: 10.1016/S1474-4422(15)00087-3 6. Krack P, Batir A, Van Blercom, N. Five-year follow-up of bilateral stimulation of the subthalmic nucleus in advanced Parkinson’s disease. N Eng J Med. 2003:349(20):1925-1934. doi:10.1056/NEJMoa035275 7. Schuepbach WMM, Rau JK, Knudsen K, et al. Neurostimulation for Parkinson’s disease with early motor complications. N Engl J Med. 2013;368:610-622. doi:10.1056/NEJMoa1205158. 8. Boston Scientific Patient Information Brochure. A brighter future is taking shape: treating Parkinson’s disease with deep brain stimulation. Copyright 2021. 9. Boston Scientific, Upgrade Your Therapy - Guide for DBS Patients Brochure NM-1286803-AA. Copyright 2022. 10. Boston Scientific Vercise M8 Adapter Patient Brochure_NM-530001-AD. Copyright 2022. 11. Boston Scientific Corporation, Image Ready MR-Conditional Deep Brain Stimulation System, 2022, https://www.bostonscientific.com/imageready/en-US/dbs-system.html 12. Boston Scientific Genus Patient Upgrade Presentation_NM-976307-AB. Copyright 2021.
*MR Conditional when all conditions are met
The Vercise Genus™ DBS System, Vercise Genus Mixed System with M8 Adapter, Vercise Gevia™ DBS System, and Vercise™ DBS Lead-only system (before Stimulator is implanted) provide safe access to full-body MRI scans when used with specific components and the patient is exposed to the MRI environment under specific conditions defined in the supplemental manual ImageReady™ MRI Guidelines for Boston Scientific DBS Systems.