Living with Deep Brain Stimulation Therapy
Q: Will people notice the components of the Deep Brain Stimulation System?A: All the components of Medtronic's system, with the exception of the therapy patient controller are inside the body. Depending on a person's body build, the neurostimulator may be noticeable as a small bulge under the skin, but it usually isn't noticeable under clothes. There also may be a slight bump on the top of the patient's head, but is usually not visible under the hair. A neurosurgeon will try to implant the neurostimulator in a place that is most comfortable and cosmetically appealing to patients.
Q: How long does the neurostimulator battery last?
A: Battery longevity varies, depending on the parameter settings and number of hours the neurostimulator is turned on each day. At typical therapeutic settings, the battery lasts an average of three to five years, but it could be less than three years depending on individual patient requirements. A simple surgical procedure is used to replace the neurostimulator; the extension and lead(s) are typically not replaced.
Q: Can the battery be recharged?
A: No. When the neurostimulator battery is exhausted and needs to be changed, the old neurostimulator is replaced by an entirely new neurostimulator; the extension and leads typically are not replaced. In many cases the replacement procedure can be done under local anaesthesia in an outpatient clinic or day surgery unit.
Q: Is there an
effect on the Deep Brain Stimulation System when a patient is near electronics?
A: Sometimes. Most of the electrical devices people
are around in a normal day will not harm the Deep Brain Stimulation System.
This includes household appliances, computers, office machines, mobile phones,
and personal radios. If the neurostimulator comes within centimeters (inches)
of small permanent magnets (such as stereo speakers, radios, telephones, magnet
therapy products, shoe magnets and refrigerator-door magnets) the neurostimulator
could be turned on or off.
The Deep Brain Stimulation System may interact with certain types of devices that generate electromagnetic energy. Theft detectors and airport/security screening devices may have enough electromagnetic energy to cause uncomfortable increases in stimulation, and it is best to avoid them if possible. Patients are advised to use care when approaching these devices. Product labeling (packaged with the product) contains detailed instructions for patients when approaching theft detectors and airport security screening devices.
Other devices may have enough magnetic field strength
to turn the neurostimulator on or off and should be approached carefully. These
include: large stereo speakers with magnets, MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)
equipment manufacturing and heavy industrial equipment; electric arc welding
equipment; electric induction heaters used in industry to bend plastic; electric
steel furnaces; power lines; and electric substations and power generators.
Q: Is there a concern with the implanted Deep Brain Stimulation System interfering with other medical tests?
A: People implanted with the Deep Brain Stimulation
System should consult their physician before engaging in any medical treatment.
If a medical test is prescribed, the testing physician must be told about the
implanted Deep Brain Stimulation System.
The following procedures may affect your Deep Brain Stimulation System:
- Diathermy provides optional treatments
for the following purposes:
- relieve pain, stiffness and muscle spasms
- reduce joint contractures
- reduce swelling and pain after surgery
- promote wound healing
This may affect the neurostimulator output and/or damage its electronics. Diathermy's energy can be transferred through the implanted system which can cause tissue damage and can result in severe injury or death. - Therapeutic ultrasound, electrolysis, radiation therapy, and electrocautery also should not be used directly over the implant site.
- Diagnostic x-rays do not cause a problem, but some, such as mammograms, that require tight enclosure of the area where your neurostimulator is implanted, may require additional adjustment of the x-ray equipment.
- Tell your dentist where your neurostimulator is implanted, so he or she can take precautions with dental drills and ultrasonic probes used to clean your teeth. These devices should not be used directly over the implant site.
- Some Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) procedures for patients receiving Deep Brain Stimulation Therapy are safe, but there are risks. The manual that accompanies the system used to deliver the therapy includes guidance to physicians. Patients are advised to tell physicians who may not know of their implanted system before undergoing MRI.
- The electrical discharges from defibrillators may damage the neurostimulator electronics.
-
In the event of patient death, the neurostimulator
must be removed prior to cremation.
