Deep Brain Stimulation, also referred to as DBS Surgery, is an incredible therapy that is of great benefit to those who suffer from various movement disorders, including Parkinson’s disease, essential tremor, dystonia, and several other neurological disorders. Most people consider this kind of surgery when their condition becomes unbearable after several years of living with symptoms.
At Parkinson’s MD Care, every patient suffering from movement-related neurological disorders receives expert diagnosis and advanced treatment services, including DBS surgery in Pakistan. Whether you have essential tremors, dystonia, or Parkinson’s disease, Dr. Jawad A. Bajwa is always there to provide you with the best possible treatment for your condition.
While most of us spend plenty of time getting ready for the surgery, there is one common question that all patients have after the procedure: How is life after DBS surgery? A better understanding of what awaits the patient after this type of surgery will certainly help eliminate any fears and worries about the process. Every recovery process is different; however, this article serves as a step by step guide to DBS surgery, providing valuable information on what to expect after the procedure and throughout the recovery journey.
Advanced DBS Surgery & Better Symptom Management: Trust Dr. Jawad Ahmed Bajwa At Parkinson’s MD Care Center for Treatment And Ongoing Support.
As soon as the patient regains consciousness following the DBS procedure, there is an overwhelming sensation of intense relief and extreme physical fatigue. The medical staff continues to be vigilant regarding everything, and the patient remains under observation in the hospital for about one to three days.
The primary objective during this immediate postoperative period is the safety of the patient, ensuring complete comfort, and conducting routine imaging tests in order to ensure that the small electrodes are in the right place inside the brain. Physically, there are certain temporary signs that emerge immediately in life after DBS surgery.
It is quite natural to experience bruises at the site of surgery and swelling around the eyes. The sites at which the head incisions were made, along with the area behind the ears and down to the chest level where the pulse generator is implanted, can remain tender or numb.
Postoperative pain is mostly mild to moderate and responds very well to standard painkillers. Despite being inactive, the improvement or disappearance of symptoms such as shaking or rigidity might occur spontaneously. This occurs due to a small swelling that is induced as a result of the surgery itself.
The brain tissues around the implanted wire get slightly swollen, hence creating an effect similar to that of the electrical impulses. Although this can feel miraculous, it is only a temporary phenomenon that will cease once the swelling reduces. Patients are strongly advised against changing their drug dosage until the device is fully functional.
Coming home is indeed a victory, but it should be noted that healing is not about speed; it is about making the body and mind ready for the new reality.
During the first two weeks, patients’ bodies should focus on resting. Healing is an exhausting process, especially if a person has undergone a DBS procedure. During the first couple of weeks, wounds have to be kept clean and dry. Taking showers instead of baths is essential because a patient will avoid soaking the wounds in water. Moreover, patients should use very mild shampoos without any conditioner or fragrance.
After recovering from initial tiredness, the patient may find themselves overconfident in their ability to accomplish tasks. In fact, this is when the danger of falling is great. In view of the healing of the brain and the partial function of the device, it will be challenging for the patient to maintain balance. It would be wise for patients who used a walker or cane before to make sure that it is available for use. They are not allowed to do any exercises, lift anything heavy, or drive any vehicle for six weeks.
Many families reach the climax of their DBS Surgery experience four to eight weeks into the procedure. This is when the moment comes to activate the neurostimulator. The family and patient return to the clinic to have the stimulator turned on for the first time. One should not expect a miracle to happen on that day, as activation marks only the beginning of a complex programming process that highlights the role of DBS surgery in body movement and muscle control.
A specially appointed neurologist will use a unique programmer that communicates with the device using non-harmful radio waves. Gradually, the voltage, frequency, and pulse width of the currents are adjusted. As electrical impulses pass through the leads, it is possible for one to experience some strange sensations, such as seeing flashes of light or feeling odd in the muscles. This is totally normal when the electrical fields interact with their nerves.
The doctor uses patients’ reactions during these sessions to identify the ideal settings, thereby controlling symptoms and preventing side effects. Achieving the best settings through programming is an art form. In most cases, this requires several programs done weeks apart during the first three to six months.
After optimization, it becomes remarkably simple and very fulfilling for patients to live life with the aid of a deep-brain stimulator. Clinical evidence shows that patients gain an extra six hours of “on-time” per day without being overwhelmed by uncontrollable motor function problems. Scores on tests regarding motor skills tend to improve by over 50%, as opposed to treatment solely by drugs.
Since the electrical stimulation performs most of the hard work when it comes to symptom relief, many people will be able to lower their dosage of medication. This, in turn, provides relief from the exhausting side effects of drug overdose. In order to make full use of their capabilities, many patients choose to undergo physical, occupational, or speech therapy sessions.
Use of Patient Programmers: The patient receives a personal remote control device that they may use to monitor their battery life, turn off the machine if required, or fine-tune the machine within certain parameters set up beforehand by their neurologist.
Battery Lifespan: Non-rechargeable pulse generators usually last for around three to five years, after which they need replacement via an outpatient procedure. Rechargeable units are expected to last up to fifteen years, during which the patient will have to regularly charge the system from the comfort of their home.
Safety Tips for Everyday Life: Appliances used in the home are absolutely safe to use. Nevertheless, patients need to carry an identification card that is to be shown to airport or other security officials who might mistake the presence of metallic elements as triggering security equipment.
There are some differences based on the disease, its severity, and personal characteristics. Some of the changes experienced by many people in life after DBS surgery include the following:
DBS Surgery certainly is a truly emotional journey for a patient. Knowing about the possible outcomes of DBS Surgery, while also understanding the common myths about DBS surgery, allows one to start the recovery process confidently and with reasonable expectations. The first few days will be all about healing. Further weeks and months will include programming of the device, observation, and improvement. It takes patience, continuous follow-up, and communication with health specialists to get the best results from the treatment.
As practice shows, most patients receive considerable benefits. Symptom relief, the ability to lead an independent lifestyle, and regaining control over one’s body can become a new beginning. Despite individual differences, those patients who continue to stick to the treatment program, remain patient throughout it, and are not influenced by common myths about DBS surgery have the highest chances of achieving a positive outcome.
Dr. Jawad A. Bajwa from Parkinson’s MD Care helps patients regain independence through DBS surgery for their movement disorders. He has more than 20 years of experience as an interventional neurologist, and he can skillfully perform DBS surgery. Life after DBS Surgery may bring more than just relief and comfort.
