DBS and an active life
For the most part, DBS won’t impact the activities you can and cannot do. Here are some common activities to use caution with or avoid.
See your patient manual for a full list and talk with your doctor about what activities are safe for you.
Certain physical activities
Loss of coordination is a potential side effect of DBS therapy. Patients should exercise reasonable caution when participating in activities requiring coordination, including those that they were able to perform prior to receiving DBS therapy (e.g., swimming).
Bending, twisting, stretching
Avoid activities that include sudden excessive or repetitive bending, twisting, or stretching, which may cause parts of your system to break or move.
Security devices and metal detectors
Walking through some theft detectors or security gates, like those at airports and department stores, may increase stimulation or turn off your neurostimulator.
Before walking through a security gate, show your Medtronic device identification card to security and request a hand search. If a security wand is used, ask the security personnel to avoid placing it over your neurostimulator.
If you must pass through a gate, walk through the center at a normal pace, and don’t lean on or linger at the gate.
Electronic devices
Most household appliances and electronic devices that work properly and are properly grounded, like computers, will not interfere with your deep brain stimulation system.
Contact us
If you or your loved one are currently a Medtronic DBS patient and have questions, please call Medtronic patient services at 800-510-6735, Monday–Friday 8 a.m.–5 p.m. CT.