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Deep Brain Stimulation and Parkinson ’ s of finding the right balance of medication and DBS stimulation , which can take three to six months or more . Over time , many people can take less medication . But the ability to lower medication depends on your symptoms and where the lead is placed .
+ Teach you to use the personal programmer and battery recharger Each system comes with a small , handheld device that allows you to turn stimulation on and off , place DBS in “ MRI mode ” for an MRI or “ surgery mode ” for a procedure ; check battery life and , if rechargeable , check the battery charge . This device also allows you to adjust DBS settings , within a small window and as directed by your clinician , if you wish . Rechargeable batteries come with separate , small units to charge them regularly .
Your programmer also will give you contact information for a device company representative ,
Researchers are using specialized brain imaging and machine learning , or artificial intelligence , methods to find faster , more efficient or automated ways of programming DBS . They ’ re also looking at how different brain targets and device settings might ease Parkinson ’ s symptoms that DBS doesn ’ t currently treat , such as swallowing problems or depression . who may be helpful in providing general education about DBS or in making sure DBS is correctly set for during emergent MRIs or non-DBS-related surgeries . ( If you reach out to the representative , you should also contact your clinician .)
Following initial programming , you get adjustments every few weeks or months until you find the right mix of DBS settings and medication . The goal is to have the least symptoms and the least side effects . When your DBS programmer and Parkinson ’ s doctor are different people , you see mainly the programmer during this time . To work best with your programmer , be vocal about how you feel , be honest and be in contact . If something doesn ’ t seem right , let them know sooner than later .
Once you ’ re on a stable regimen , you visit the programmer a few times per year to check the battery and adjust settings if needed . Certain DBS devices allow remote programming where , using your personal device or a smartphone app , you can connect to your clinician through Wi- Fi and have programming , in real time , without physically going into the doctor ’ s office . Make sure your personal controller or phone is fully charged and connected to Wi-Fi to avoid delays . During remote programming , you see your clinician via video ( like a Facetime or Zoom call ) and they talk with and examine you . Make sure you are in a quiet , well-lit location where you have space to move and walk . If your programmer allows you to adjust settings at home , ask what options you have and how to make changes .