Will my symptoms get better immediately after the surgery?
Typically, an Activa® DBS System is not activated until a few weeks post-surgery. Your symptoms may decrease at that time. Optimal results are normally not achieved until the healthcare professional, who programs your device, has gone through multiple programming sessions with you. This process may take several weeks.
Is this a new type of treatment for Parkinson's disease (PD)?
Medtronic Inc. has been providing products and therapies that alleviate pain, restore health, and extend life for over 50 years. Activa DBS was developed by Medtronic in the 1980s and was approved for use in the United States in 2002. It has been proven to reduce some of the symptoms associated with PD. It is currently included in the American Academy of Neurology Guideline Summary for Patients as a surgical treatment option for PD.
Is this a "permanent" procedure?
Activa DBS is adjustable. This means that the stimulation can be changed over time to match the need of symptom control. Finally, if warranted, the system can be deactivated or even removed.
What are the risks associated with this type of treatment?
Risks vary from patient to patient and are based on many different factors. Some of the risks associated with the procedure include:
- Intracranial hemorrhage
- Infection
- Pain at the surgery sites
Please consult with your physician to better understand these and other risks that may be applicable to your specific situation.
Will I "feel" the stimulation?
Many people with an Activa DBS System will not feel the stimulation at all. Some people may feel a brief tingling sensation when the therapy is first turned on.
Is Activa DBS covered by my health insurance?
In many cases, Activa DBS is covered by insurance programs. On April 1, 2003, Medicare issued a national coverage decision authorizing all Medicare carriers to cover Activa DBS for Parkinson's Control. Call us at 1-877-438-3574 for more information and assistance in obtaining insurance coverage.
How does Activa DBS work?
Activa DBS is a surgical treatment that has been proven to reduce some of the symptoms associated with PD. Activa DBS involves the placement of a medical device (much like a cardiac pacemaker) and thin, insulated wires, called "leads," completely inside the body. While the device is implanted beneath the skin in the chest, the leads are implanted within the brain. Electrical stimulation is then sent directly to targeted areas within the basal ganglia (the "switchboard" for the brain circuits that control movement). Stimulation of these areas enables the brain circuits that control movement to function better. This results in a reduction of symptoms in many patients.
This type of surgical procedure is performed by a highly specialized surgeon who uses MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) or CT (computer tomography) scanning to map the brain. The lead is inserted through a small opening in the skull and is implanted in a target site within the brain. Even though the brain itself feels no pain, the skull is numbed to minimize any possible discomfort.
How can I learn more?
To learn more about Activa DBS and how it might help you or someone you love, join Discover Activa DBS today. This free Medtronic program will be tailored to ensure that you're getting the information you want and need to help you decide if Activa DBS might be right for you or a loved one.
With Discover Activa DBS, you'll receive:
- An informative email newsletter
And, you'll have access to these offerings:
- Activa DBS literature and DVDs
- Ask An Expert – Talk with an Activa DBS nurse expert
- Activa DBS Ambassadors – Connect with someone who has an Activa DBS system
- Activa DBS Events – Attend a presentation in person or online
- Physician Finder – Find an Activa DBS-experienced physician in your area
Join today! It's simple. Just click here to sign up for this free program or call us at
1-877-438-3574 and Discover Activa DBS.
How do I schedule an Activa DBS consultation?
We can help. Call us today at 1-877-438-3574 for assistance in scheduling a consultation with an Activa DBS-experienced neurologist.