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What to expect after Deep Brain Stimulation surgery for Parkinson’s disease

An older man and a younger person sit together in a bright medical office speaking with a doctor.

Deciding to have Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) surgery is a big step in managing your Parkinson’s disease symptoms. Knowing what comes next can help you and your family feel prepared. From your short hospital stay to your first programming session, here is what you can expect.

Your immediate recovery

Right after your surgery, you will typically spend at least 1 night in the hospital. This short stay allows your medical team to monitor your progress. Some people are even able to return home the very next day.

Post-surgical pain is usually mild and can generally be managed with oral pain medications. You may experience some tenderness near your incisions, which is completely normal and typically goes away within 1–2 weeks.

Returning to your daily life

Most patients are back on their feet and resuming light activities within a few days. However, your body still needs time to heal. Your doctor will likely recommend taking a few weeks off from work and avoiding strenuous activities for the first 2 weeks.

To protect your healing incisions, you should avoid lifting anything heavy for the first 4-6 weeks. Always follow your doctor's specific guidelines for a safe recovery.

Programming with advanced technology

With the Vercise Genus™ DBS System, you get therapy designed around your unique needs. Following your surgical recovery, your initial programming session is the next important step. This is the moment your device is turned on to begin your therapy.

We know you want to spend less time in the clinic and more time living your life. That’s why our system features Image Guided Programming (IGP). This technology allows your doctor to see a 3D model of your brain and visualize exactly where the stimulation needs to go. Advanced imaging, such as IGP, can reduce your programming sessions to as little as 20 minutes while still providing highly precise symptom relief.

Watch how advanced imaging and image-guided programming work together to help clinicians deliver precise, effective symptom control:

Reclaiming the moments that matter

While DBS is not a cure, many people describe the results as life-changing. Because the therapy works continuously, it helps smooth out the unpredictable highs and lows of your day. In fact, 96% of patients say they would choose to have the procedure again.¹

With your symptoms better controlled, you can focus on reclaiming your independence. Whether your goal is to hike a trail, bake with your family, or walk the dog, DBS aims to help you get back to the things you love.

Support for your treatment

With a Boston Scientific DBS device, you'll have access to resources like recovery and safety guides, FAQs, and detailed manuals to support you.

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References

  1. Vercise DBS Clinical Study (INTREPID). Data on file.

Indications for Use:
The Boston Scientific Vercise™ PC, Vercise Gevia™, Vercise Genus™ Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) Systems are indicated for use in the following:

• 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.

• Unilateral thalamic stimulation of the ventral intermediate nucleus (VIM) is indicated for the suppression of tremor in the upper extremity. The system is intended for use in patients who are diagnosed with essential tremor or parkinsonian tremor not adequately controlled by medications and where the tremor constitutes a significant functional disability.

• Bilateral stimulation of the ventral intermediate nucleus (VIM) of the thalamus for the suppression of disabling upper extremity tremor in adult essential tremor patients whose tremor is not adequately controlled by medications and where the tremor constitutes a significant functional disability.

Intended Use:

The Boston Scientific Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) Systems are intended to treat movement disorders by stimulating a specific brain target.

The Vercise™ DBS Controller is intended to communicate with and control the compatible Boston Scientific Stimulator.

The Charger is a medical device that is intended to charge the battery of the compatible Boston Scientific rechargeable Stimulator.

Contraindications: The Boston Scientific Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) Systems are not recommended for patients who will be exposed to the following procedures: Diathermy as either a treatment for a medical condition or as part of a surgical procedure, Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) and Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS). The safety of these therapies in patients implanted with the Boston Scientific DBS System has not been established. Patients implanted with Boston Scientific DBS Systems without ImageReady™ MRI Technology should not be exposed to Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). Patients implanted with the Vercise Gevia or Vercise Genus or Vercise Genus Mixed System with M8 Adapter 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 DBS Systems. The external/non-implantable components of the Vercise Genus DBS System (Charging System, Remote Control, mobile device with Vercise DBS Controller, and accessories) are MR Unsafe. Do not take them into any MRI environment.
Boston Scientific DBS Systems are not recommended for patients who are unable to operate the system or are poor surgical candidates or who experience unsuccessful test stimulation.

Warnings: With all medical procedures, there are risks associated with the procedure and the use of the device. 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 a Boston Scientific 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. You should use caution when doing activities that require coordination, even if you were able to do them before receiving therapy (for example, swimming). Patients should exercise reasonable caution when bathing. Chemical burns may result if the Stimulator housing is ruptured or pierced. The Boston Scientific DBS Systems 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 whether the DBS device may cause complications with pregnancy. Do not use the Vercise™ DBS Controller while the mobile device is charging. The effect of using the Vercise DBS Controller while charging the mobile device has not been evaluated.



Be sure to talk with your doctor so that you thoroughly understand all of the risks, precautions, and benefits associated with the use of the device and what indicates, and contraindicates, certain patients– as well as the risks and precautions for the procedure. For complete indications for use, contraindications, warnings, precautions, and side effects, see DBSandME.com or 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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