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Is A DBS Procedure Safe To Treat Mini-strokes?
Question: I'm back with a follow up question . . . been to see a neurologist twice in the past couple of weeks. Apparently I've had another mini-stroke which affected my face and speech for a while. Was able to get therapy which helped immensely. It also advanced my PD a few percent as far as I'm able to discern. Now he is recommending me to have a DBS procedure. Because I need to hear other professional opinions, I need to know how good/safe/effective is this procedure?
Brief Answer:
Read below
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome back to HealthcareMagic. I read your question carefully and I understand your concern regarding DBS.
In terms of efficacy it is an effective procedure leading to improvements in the majority of patients. By that it is not meant to be medication free, but achieve much better control of symptoms than with medication alone. In addition its effects are reversible so its electric parameters may be modified according to need and even if ineffective the device can be turned off.
When it comes to safety there is a risk of complications like brain hemorrhage, infection or anesthesia related complications. However the risk is low, under 3%, so it is considered a safe procedure.
Other inconveniences may be device malfunction and necessity of battery changes in a few years. The economic aspects should be considered as well as it is a costly procedure and battery change has a high cost (about 8000$) as well.
I remain at your disposal for other questions.
Read below
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome back to HealthcareMagic. I read your question carefully and I understand your concern regarding DBS.
In terms of efficacy it is an effective procedure leading to improvements in the majority of patients. By that it is not meant to be medication free, but achieve much better control of symptoms than with medication alone. In addition its effects are reversible so its electric parameters may be modified according to need and even if ineffective the device can be turned off.
When it comes to safety there is a risk of complications like brain hemorrhage, infection or anesthesia related complications. However the risk is low, under 3%, so it is considered a safe procedure.
Other inconveniences may be device malfunction and necessity of battery changes in a few years. The economic aspects should be considered as well as it is a costly procedure and battery change has a high cost (about 8000$) as well.
I remain at your disposal for other questions.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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