ANNA’S STORY DBS Therapy for Parkinson’s Disease

MEDICATIONS LOSE EFFECT

For years, she controlled her symptoms with medications. She was able to care for her family and take painting classes at the local college. But as her Parkinson’s progressed, her medications started to lose effect. She could no longer hold a paintbrush. Or express her creativity through drawing.

Gradually, she took more medications, more frequently. But unintended movements (dyskinesia) would occur after about 30 to 60 minutes. Everyday life became more challenging.

“The pills were as much a problem as the disease,” Anna said. “I was miserable. I could no longer drive, I barely ate, I could hardly walk, and I couldn’t turn over in bed.”

THE RIGHT TIME FOR DBS

Her doctor told her about a neurologist who was doing deep brain stimulation for Parkinson’s disease. She wanted to put aside the thought of brain surgery, but after meeting the neurologist and talking about the benefits of DBS, Anna knew this was it. Her fear dissolved.

Anna was awake for most of her surgery. Afterwards, she remembers feeling soreness in her chest where the neurostimulator was implanted, and in her neck, where the extensions to her head were placed.

When her DBS system was turned on a week after surgery, she and her husband noticed a change immediately. “I was walking, my tremors were gone, and I could drive again!”

Over the next few months, Anna went to follow-up visits to have her stimulation adjusted. “They don’t want to raise it too fast or too high. That took some patience on my part.”

Around the same time, Anna was diagnosed with MRSA infection in one of the incisions in her scalp. After antibiotics didn’t work, doctors had to remove a neurostimulator and lead to get rid of the infection. Five months later, Anna was clear of the infection and had the system replaced on her right side.

Safety Information:
A prescription is required. Not everyone who receives DBS Therapy will receive the same results. DBS Therapy requires brain surgery which can have serious and sometimes fatal complications. Once implanted, DBS complications may require additional surgery. Medtronic DBS Therapy may cause new or worsening neurological or psychiatric symptoms. Patients should always discuss the potential risks and benefits of the therapy with a physician. See Important Safety Information.

GETTING BACK TO PAINTING

“With both my neurostimulators in and working, I was getting back my old life. I had no tremor, I could do stairs, and just about everything for myself.” After four years the initial effects had not diminished.

“Sure, I have bad days, especially if I’m stressed. I know I have to get more rest or increase my medications. But overall I’m still free and happy. DBS doesn’t make things exactly like they used to be, but it makes things possible.”