DBS is a well-established therapy that uses a small, implanted device to send signals to specific areas of your brain. These signals are designed to help you manage the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease (PD) or essential tremor (ET). Every brain is unique, so our Vercise™ DBS System aims to adapt to your anatomy for a more personalized approach to your care.
What to know when considering DBS
The DBS System delivers mild electrical pulses with the goal of resetting the irregular signals that cause your symptoms. You can think of it as a pacemaker for the brain that is built around your specific needs. Our advanced Vercise technology uses imaging — from your own anatomy — to help your doctor see exactly where to place the leads, which may help you get relief while minimizing side effects.
You may want to consider DBS if your medications are no longer managing your symptoms as well as they once did. If you find yourself dealing with "off" periods or movements that are difficult to control, it could be a sign to explore DBS as a treatment option.
Because your journey is your own, we recommend talking to a specialist to see if a personalized Vercise DBS System from Boston Scientific fits your goals.
The goal of DBS is to help you move with more confidence and improve your daily quality of life. While the therapy has a long history of safety, any surgery involving the brain does have potential risks, such as infection or headache.¹ Your care team is there to walk you through every detail so you feel informed and prepared.
For specific questions related to our DBS Systems, you can contact our Patient Education Specialists at (833) 327-1473. They’re available Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. PT to support you.
For most people, DBS is covered by Medicare and many private insurance plans, for both Parkinson’s disease and essential tremor. Since every plan is a little different, it is a good idea to call your provider to confirm your specific coverage. Our team can also help you understand the tools and support available to you.
Get started
Has a physician diagnosed you or a loved one with Parkinson’s disease (PD) or essential tremor (ET)?
You've started your assessment
Would you like to pick up where you left off?
You've completed the assessment
Based on your answers, you may be a candidate for: DBS therapy
Life with a DBS System
Your lifestyle is unique, so we offer different battery options to fit your needs. Non-rechargeable batteries typically last between 3-5 years, depending on the settings your doctor chooses for you.2
For those looking for long-term options, our rechargeable Vercise Genus DBS System is warrantied for up to 15 years.3
Yes. Our systems are designed to be MRI-ready, so you can still get the important health scans you might need.⁴
Before having an MRI, your doctor will simply put your system into a specific mode prior to your scan. This ensures your therapy journey continues safely even when you need other medical care.
Most people will likely not know you have a DBS System. The device is placed under the skin near your collarbone, and the thin wires are tucked away. While you might feel a small bump, it’s typically not visible under your clothes, allowing you to focus on your day.
Your therapy is an ongoing journey that’s unique to you. You’ll visit your neurologist a few times after surgery to fine-tune your settings for your specific needs.
Our Cartesia™ 3D technology gives your doctor a digital map of your brain so they can see where to adjust your therapy for the best results.
Connect with others who have a DBS System
You can connect with a DBS Patient Ambassador to hear about the journey from someone who has been there. These volunteers share their personal experiences to help you feel more confident as you explore your own options.
You can request a call to ask questions about daily life, the procedure, or what it’s like to live with a DBS System.
Our events are designed to help you learn from experts and meet others in the community. You may hear from neurologists, surgeons, or a DBS Patient Ambassador who shares their own story.
Whether you join online or in person, the goal is to provide you with the information you need to move forward with your care.
No. The DBS webinars and in-person events are provided by Boston Scientific at no cost to you. We want to ensure you have access to the education and support you need as you consider Deep Brain Stimulation for your worsening Parkinson’s disease or essential tremor symptoms.
Absolutely. We encourage you to bring your support team along. Whether you are attending a webinar or speaking with an Ambassador, your loved ones can ask their own questions to learn how to best support you throughout your journey.
We also have resources available to help caregivers better understand these movement disorders:
Take your next step toward DBS therapy
Get started
Has a physician diagnosed you or a loved one with Parkinson’s disease (PD) or essential tremor (ET)?
You've started your assessment
Would you like to pick up where you left off?
You've completed the assessment
Based on your answers, you may be a candidate for: DBS therapy
References
- Boston Scientific Patient Information Brochure. Navigating Parkinson's: Your Complete Guide to Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS).
- Boston Scientific Vercise™ Genus™ Product Specifications.
- Rechargeable System Longevity Study [Internal Data on File].
- Vercise™ DBS Systems ImageReady™ MRI Guidelines.