DBS Surgery: Questions for the Neurosurgeon or DBS Team

Parkinson's Disease Medication and Treatment
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Prior to going to the neurosurgeon appointment for my dbs surgery, I made a tiktok video where I asked for questions to ask my neurosurgeon when I met him. I received several questions. I thought that they might be helpful for others that are going through this process, so here they are.

Experience

  1. Where did you go to school?
  2. Where did you do your residency and your fellowship?
  3. How many DBS surgeries have you performed?
  4. What is your team’s infection rate?

Device

  1. Which device will I get and why?
  2. Will it be rechargeable or non-rechargeable?
  3. Will I be able to get an MRI?
  4. How long will it take to get the programming right?

Surgery

  1. Will I be awake for the surgery?
  2. Which lead placement will I get? (STN, GPi, or VIM)
  3. Will it be unilateral or bilateral?
  4. What kind of results can I hope for? How long will they last?
  5. What are the risks?
  6. How long will I be in the hospital?
  7. How long before I can (insert your favorite activity here)

Post-op

  1. How long will I need to recover?
  2. What is the support plan after the surgery?
  3. Are there appointments blocked off for DBS support if I need it?

If you have any additional suggestions please reply below!

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Thanks Mike this will help me out on the 11th when I have my appointment with my neurosurgeon. Best of luck to you if you do decide to get it done. I’m hoping that I qualify, for the meds that are proscribed for pd have limited relief for my symptoms. I’ve decided that I’m definitely going through with it if they think I’m going to benefit from it.

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I just got my surgery date today. I have mixed emotions. I’m super excited and nervous all at the same time.

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You’re welcome, I’m glad it will help. You can get some of these questions answered prior to the appointment, which is a good idea so you have more time for your most important questions. I took out my phone during my appointment and had the questions right there so I wouldn’t forget anything. Good luck!

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That’s great! I will likely feel the exact same way. Are you getting GPi or STN placement? Will it be unilateral or bilateral?

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Stan and bilateral

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I am experiencing increased and uncomfortable anxiety since my dbs procedure 4 months ago. Does anyone else suffer from this?