FAQs

Have questions about DBS? We've got you covered. Below are some of the top questions.

• 1: Is DBS safe?
  Two decades of DBS treatment to over 100,000¹ patients has shown both the short and long-term safety of DBS.^2,3,4,5 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 patient. Though most are temporary and can be reversed or reduced through stimulation, you should discuss these risks with your physicians.
• 2: Could I be a candidate for DBS?
  The ideal candidate continues to respond positively to levodopa treatment but is unable to control the motor symptoms of his or her disease with medication alone. DBS surgery would be carried out by a neurosurgeon working as part of an interdisciplinary team. Your neurologist and other physicians with whom you work closely can determine if DBS is a suitable therapy for you and your symptoms.
• 3: Will my insurance cover DBS therapy?
  For Medicare patients, the majority of your cost for 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. Call our Pre-Authorization Support team at 855-855-4506 to learn what your insurance will and will not cover.
• 4: Can I stop my medication after DBS surgery?
  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: How long will my DBS system last?
  The rechargeable Vercise™ and Vercise Gevia™ systems are designed to last at least 15 years.** The non-rechargeable Vercise™ PC system should last 3 to 5 years.
• 6: Is it possible to have an MRI with a DBS implant?
  The Vercise Gevia™ DBS System provides Full Body MRI Conditional access under certain conditions when all conditions of use are met. The Vercise™ PC DBS System is contraindicated for MRI. Other imaging options (including X-rays, CT scans, PET scans and ultrasounds) are all compatible with Vercise PC and Vercise Gevia. Always consult your physician to learn which imaging modality will be your best option.
• 7: Can I have a DBS implant if I already have a pacemaker?
  Typically, DBS implants are placed in the same location as pacemakers. However, a DBS implant connected to extension leads can be inserted on the right side of your chest or under the skin of the abdomen.
• 8: Can I travel with my DBS implant?
  Yes, you can travel with your DBS system. Metal detectors, X-ray machines, security scanners, and other security devices willnot 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.
• 9: What will I feel when my DBS device is switched on?
  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.
• 10: Does the DBS device make a noise?
  No, the DBS device is completely silent.
• 11: Will other people be able to notice my DBS device?
  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.