Dbs - Parkinson's Disease Message Board

Jack Pollitt · 03-27-2009, 09:27 AM

I was diagnosed with PD 5 years ago and have now progressed to a point where my neurologist thinks I should consider DBS. Has anyone had this procedure done and what were the results? I am looking to improve my balance. At this time I fall on a regular basis as much as once a day.

NerveEnding · 03-27-2009, 06:11 PM

Do you fall because of tremors or because your legs are rigid? If so, DBS might help. If you are falling because of postural instability and balance problems, DBS usually does not help these symptoms.

The ideal DBS patient is one with a lot of tremors, dyskinesias, and fluctuations. Essentially what DBS does is take your best "on-time" and stretches it out.

Your physician can give you a DBS dvd put out by medtronic which can answer at least some of your questions.

clsc · 04-28-2009, 08:01 PM

Thanks for the info, NerveEnding (about getting a DVD about DBS)

To Jack: what have you decided about DBS? I hope it turns out to be right for you and you get the very best treatment, and good results! The falling can be upsetting and if one needs to be in a hospital while a broken bone heals, well, it doesn't sound like the best situation in this day and age. Good luck! : )

Jack Pollitt · 04-29-2009, 12:31 PM

Thanks for the intrest.I go to Mass General at the end of this month. I will let you know how I make out.

navy6470 · 05-07-2009, 11:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jack Pollitt

I was diagnosed with PD 5 years ago and have now progressed to a point where my neurologist thinks I should consider DBS. Has anyone had this procedure done and what were the results? I am looking to improve my balance. At this time I fall on a regular basis as much as once a day.

Like you I was disagnosed with PD symptoms 5 years ago, drugs helped but eventually my tremors in my right arm limited my writing to almost zero. My DBS was so successful my surgeon has rated my success as 95%. I still take STALEVO for the rigitiy and the remaining symptoms but it is the best thing that I could do. Good luck keep us posted