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As with any surgery, there are some guidelines and limitations that
you should follow after deep brain stimulation (DBS). Be sure to discuss these with
your doctor and ask questions before surgery. Understanding what you will be
experiencing and knowing what to expect afterward can help ease some of the
natural anxiety that comes with any medical procedure.
DBS is done to treat and relieve symptoms of Parkinson's disease, but it is not a
cure. The electrode can be removed at any time with a slight risk of
complications. Although this is a reversible procedure, few patients actually
have the system removed.
Patients who are having stimulators placed on both sides of the brain will
have their surgery broken up into two parts. Most patients with Parkinson's
disease will require the surgery to be done on both sides of the brain. During the
first surgery, the electrodes are placed into the brain but left unconnected.
The loose ends are placed underneath the skin of the head and the incision is
closed with sutures. One week later, the patient is readmitted to the hospital
for a very brief time. At that point, the surgery is completed. The patient is
placed under general anesthesia, and the extension wires are disconnected to the
loose ends of the electrodes and then connected to the impulse generators
(pacemaker-like devices).
Work and activity
It is very helpful
to plan activities before surgery based on the following:
- You should not engage in light activities for two weeks after surgery. This
includes housework and sexual activity.
- You should not engage in heavy activities for four to six weeks after surgery.
This includes jogging, swimming, or any physical education classes. Anything
strenuous should be avoided to allow your surgical wound to heal properly.
If you have questions about any activities, call your doctor first.
- You should not lift more than five pounds for at least two weeks.
- Depending on the type of work you do, you may return to work within four
to six
weeks.
After surgery
- You might feel tired and sore but will be given medicine and kept
comfortable.
- You might have irritation or soreness around the stitches and pin sites.
Coming home
- The average hospital stay for patients having the first part of the DBS
surgery is two to three days. For the second part of the surgery one week
later, patients are in the hospital for less than 24 hours.
- Your stitches or staples will be removed seven to 10 days after your surgery.
- Each of the four pin sites should be kept covered with self-adhesive bandages until
they are dry. These should be changed every day as necessary.
- You will be able to wash your head with a damp cloth, avoiding the
surgical area.
- You may only shampoo your head the day after your stitches or staples are
removed, but only very gently.
- You should not scratch or irritate the wound areas.
Call your doctor immediately if you experience:
- Severe and persistent headaches
- Bleeding from your incision
- Redness or increased swelling in the area of the incision
- Loss of vision
- A sudden change in vision
- A persistent temperature of 101 degrees Fahrenheit or higher
Using electronic devices
While you
should be able to use most electronic devices, you should be aware that:
- Some devices, such as theft detectors and screening devices — like those
found in airports, department stores, and public libraries — can cause your
neurotransmitter to switch on or off. This usually only causes an
uncomfortable sensation. However, your symptoms could get worse suddenly.
Always carry the identification card given to you. With this, you may
request assistance to bypass those devices.
- You will be able to use home appliances, computers, and cellular
phones. They do not usually interfere with your implanted stimulator.
- You will be provided with a magnet to activate and deactivate your
stimulator. This magnet might damage televisions, credit cards, and computer
discs. Always keep it at least one foot away from these items.
This information is for educational purposes only and
should not be relied upon as medical advice. It has not been designed to replace
a physician's independent judgment about the appropriateness or risks of a
procedure for a given patient.
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