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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.