Support at every step
Finding a knowledgeable care team is as important as getting the right treatment at the right time. Learn about the doctors and specialists ready to help with your Parkinson's disease (PD), and build a team to support you every step of the way.
Primary care physician
You likely already have a PCP for overall health concerns and managing yearly check-ups. Your PCP should act as a foundation for you and a link between you and Parkinson’s specialists. It’s important to feel comfortable telling your PCP concerns, feeling heard, and knowing they will guide you to the right resource, whether it’s testing or a specialist.
Neurologist
Neurologists play a vital role in a PD diagnosis, ongoing treatment, progression, and care. They may be the first doctor to administer screenings, imaging, and tests to determine your diagnosis after a long road of searching for answers. A neurologist will prescribe medicine and work to find the right dose to manage your symptoms. Your neurologist may refer you to a movement disorder specialist for further therapy.
Movement disorder specialist (MDS)
You’ll still maintain your relationship with your neurologist while seeing an MDS. This is additional therapy, not a replacement for your neurologist. An MDS is a neurologist who specializes in movement disorder and has training in PD. Working with an MDS can help you learn to ease or manage your symptoms.
Neurosurgeons
In the later stages of your diagnosis, you may consider surgical options like DBS. If you choose DBS, you’ll also select a surgical specialist to perform the procedure. Choosing DBS begins with a discussion with your neurologist about the procedure. Together, you will watch for the DBS “window” when surgery is most effective. When the time comes, a neurosurgeon will perform your DBS procedure, but you will follow-up with your neurologist and movement disorder specialist for after care and ongoing PD treatment.
Allied care
As PD progresses, your neurologist or another member of your care team may refer you to various therapists who can help minimize symptoms associated with PD. There are many caring, knowledgeable professionals ready to help and they include physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech therapists, counselors, and nutritionists.
Care partners
Your loved ones, friends, family, children, partners, or coworkers play a consistent and present role in your support team. They will be there to provide assistance with everything from daily living needs to lending a supportive ear. Accept this love and support from those closest to you, and work with them to create a team and plan that’s right for you.
Having a conversation with your doctor
When you’re visiting a team of specialists and managing a calendar of appointments, it’s hard to keep track of questions and feedback. Be prepared with our “Doctor Discussion Guide.” Compose questions, take notes, refer back, and— most importantly—become your best advocate. Download and print our guide now.
Get the guide
Download the guide now.
Find a DBS Specialist
The right time to speak to a specialist is before you need one. Start your search for a DBS specialist early in your PD journey so you’re prepared when the time comes. We can help you locate a DBS specialist that’s right for you.
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Indications for Use: The Boston Scientific Deep Brain Stimulation Systems are indicated for use in:
- Bilateral stimulation of the subthalamic nucleus (STN) as an adjunctive therapy in reducing some of the symptoms of moderate to advanced levodopa responsive Parkinson's disease (PD) that are not adequately controlled with medication.
- Bilateral stimulation of the internal globus pallidus (GPi) as an adjunctive therapy in reducing some of the symptoms of advanced levodopa responsive Parkinson's disease (PD) that are not adequately controlled with medication.
Contraindications, warnings, precautions, side effects: The Deep Brain Stimulation Systems or any of its components, is contraindicated for: Diathermy as either a treatment for a medical condition or as part of a surgical procedure, Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) and Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) as the safety of these therapies in patients implanted with the Vercise™ DBS System has not been established, patients who are unable to operate the system, patients who are poor surgical candidates or who experience unsuccessful test stimulation. Patients implanted with Boston Scientific Deep Brain Stimulation Systems without ImageReady™ MRI Technology should not be exposed to Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). Patients implanted with Vercise Gevia™ or Vercise Genus™ or Vercise DBS Lead-only system (before Stimulator is implanted) with ImageReady MRI Technology are Full Body MR Conditional only when exposed to the MRI environment under the specific conditions defined in ImageReady MRI Guidelines for Boston Scientific Deep Brain Stimulation Systems. Assess patients for the risks of depression and suicide. This assessment should consider both the risk of depression and suicide as well as the potential clinical benefits of DBS therapy. Monitor patients for new or worsening symptoms of depression, suicidal thoughts or behaviors, or changes in mood or impulse control and manage appropriately. Refer to the Instructions for Use provided with the Vercise DBS System or BostonScientific.com for potential adverse effects, warnings, and precautions prior to using this product.
Warnings: Unauthorized modification to the medical devices is prohibited. You should not be exposed to high stimulation levels. High level of stimulation may damage brain tissue. Patients implanted with the Vercise DBS System may be at risk for intracranial hemorrhages (bleeding in the brain) during DBS lead placement. Strong electromagnetic fields, such as power generators, security screeners or theft detection systems, can potentially turn the stimulator off, or cause unpredictable changes in stimulation. The system should not be charged while sleeping. If you notice new onset or worsening depression, changes in mood or behavior or impulse control, or have thoughts of suicide contact your physician or emergency services immediately. Chemical burns may result if the Vercise Stimulator housing is ruptured or pierced. The Deep Brain Stimulation System may interfere with the operation of implanted stimulation devices, such as cardiac pacemakers, implanted cardioverter defibrillators, or medication delivery pumps. Patients should operate motorized vehicles or potentially dangerous machinery with caution. It is unknown if the device may hurt an unborn baby. Your doctor may be able to provide additional information on the Boston Scientific Vercise DBS System. For complete indications for use, contraindications, warnings, precautions, and side effects, call 833-DBS-INFO or 833-327-4636.
CAUTION: U.S. Federal law restricts this device to sale by or on the order of a physician.
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