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When to consider DBS for Parkinson’s disease

An older couple sits closely together on a wooden bench while looking at a digital tablet.

Living with Parkinson’s disease (PD) means constantly adapting as your condition changes. Over time, you may find that your daily medications no longer provide the relief they once did. When that happens, it is easy to feel frustrated.

If you are living with PD, you have options when medications fall short. Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) could be the next step in your care.

The window of opportunity

Many people mistakenly believe that DBS is a "last resort." In reality, there’s a very specific window of time when therapy is most effective.



The best time to consider DBS for PD is when your medications still work, but they no longer control your symptoms on their own. Do not wait until your medications stop working completely. Once medications become entirely ineffective, DBS may no longer be an option.

Doctors highly recommend being proactive. Learn about DBS early, and discuss it with your care team long before you actually need it.

3 signs it might be time for DBS

How do you know if you are in the window of opportunity? These 3 signs show it is time to talk to your neurologist about DBS therapy.

1. Your medications are becoming less effective

Changes in how your medication works are often one of the earliest indicators. You may notice:

  • Less “ON time” during the day: These are the periods when your symptoms are well controlled.
  • Medication wearing off sooner than expected: You might feel your symptoms returning before it's time for your next dose.
  • Needing to take doses more frequently: You find yourself watching the clock or needing more pills to get through the day.
  • Increased side effects: You may experience involuntary movements (dyskinesia) as a side effect of higher medication doses.

2. Severe motor symptoms disrupt your life

Another clear sign is when motor symptoms interfere with your daily routine. Tremors, muscle rigidity, and slowness can become debilitating. If everyday tasks like eating, walking, and getting dressed are becoming difficult, it might be time to consider the Vercise Genus™ DBS System.

3. Your quality of life is declining

Parkinson’s disease affects your emotional well-being, too. When symptoms impact your ability to work, socialize, or enjoy hobbies, this can lead to anxiety and isolation. By providing better symptom control, DBS aims to restore your sense of independence.¹

Therapy that adapts with you

Parkinson’s disease changes over time—and your therapy should be able to change with it. If you decide it is time for DBS, you deserve a system designed to move with you. 



With DBS, your doctor can adjust your settings to match your evolving symptoms and needs. This personalized approach helps ensure your therapy continues to work for you over the long term.²

Is DBS right for you?

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References

  1. Vercise DBS Clinical Study (INTREPID). Data on file.
  2. Torres V et al. Image-Guided Programming Deep Brain Stimulation Improves Clinical Outcomes in Patients with Parkinson’s Disease. NPJ Parkinsons Dis. 10, 29 (2024). N=31.

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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