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Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) for Parkinson’s disease

DBS therapy may be an option when Parkinson’s medications no longer provide consistent symptom control. The Vercise Genus™ DBS System is designed to adapt to your unique brain anatomy for personalized symptom relief — helping you manage Parkinson’s disease your way.¹

Relief as unique as you

Nobody experiences Parkinson’s disease the same way — and your symptoms can change over time. Because symptoms and treatment experiences vary from person to person, determining whether DBS is right for you starts with understanding how Parkinson’s affects your daily life.

Am I a candidate for DBS?

You may be a candidate for DBS therapy if you:

  • Have been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease
  • Still respond to medication, but symptom control is inconsistent
  • Experience “off” time or involuntary movements (dyskinesia)
  • Have symptoms that interfere with daily activities
  • Are healthy enough for a surgical procedure

Because your needs are unique, your therapy should be too. The Vercise Genus DBS System is designed to work with your brain’s unique anatomy — helping you and your doctor find the right level of relief for your symptoms.²

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How Parkinson’s affects the brain

Smooth, controlled movement depends on a chemical in the brain called dopamine. In Parkinson’s disease, the brain slowly loses the cells that produce this chemical. As dopamine levels drop, it becomes harder for the brain to send the right signals to your muscles.³

This change is what causes the physical movement challenges that can interfere with your daily life.

Parkinson’s symptoms DBS may help manage

DBS therapy targets the physical signs of Parkinson’s disease — giving you better control over involuntary movement challenges, such as dyskinesia. While it doesn't treat every symptom, it aims to help you manage the common ones listed below.⁴

Tremor

Stiffness and slowness

Balance and coordination

Involuntary movements

IMPORTANT INFORMATION: DBS (Deep Brain Stimulation) is used to treat only some of the motor symptoms of Parkinson's disease. The Boston Scientific DBS devices are not approved for all motor symptoms associated with Parkinson’s disease. Please refer to the Boston Scientific DBS devices’ Indication for Use statement for more information. Please discuss the risks and benefits of DBS with your doctor to see if it is right for you.

Evaluating Parkinson’s non-motor symptoms

While DBS is designed to help manage motor symptoms, your doctor also reviews your non-motor symptoms to confirm the Vercise Genus DBS System is the best choice for your unique needs.

Mood or memory problems

A specialist reviews your cognitive health to ensure DBS is the safest and most effective choice for your specific needs.

Insomnia or sleep issues

While DBS isn’t intended to treat insomnia or other sleep disorders, reducing the tremors and stiffness that disrupt your rest can help you get more consistent sleep.

Bladder or bowel dysfunction

Your doctor evaluates these signs to understand your overall health and ensure your body is ready for a smooth surgical recovery.

Decreased sense of smell

Tracking these signs helps your doctor confirm your Parkinson’s disease progression before recommending a specific new therapy.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION: DBS (Deep Brain Stimulation) is used to treat only some of the motor symptoms of Parkinson's disease. The Boston Scientific DBS devices are not approved for any of the non-motor symptoms including the ones listed above. Please refer to the Boston Scientific DBS devices’ Indication for Use statement for more information.Please discuss the risks and benefits of DBS with your doctor to see if it is right for you.

Recognizing the window of opportunity

Flow chart progresses from first symptoms to medications managing symptoms, medications being adjusted or increased, more frequent ON time/OFF time fluctuations, and the DBS window closing. A callout above the middle stages says to talk to a Movement Disorder Neurologist about DBS.
Flow chart progresses from first symptoms to medications managing symptoms, medications being adjusted or increased, more frequent ON time/OFF time fluctuations, and the DBS window closing. A callout above the middle stages says to talk to a Movement Disorder Neurologist about DBS.

DBS therapy may be most effective during a specific window — but many people wait too long for relief. This "window of opportunity" usually opens when your Parkinson’s disease medication becomes less effective at treating your symptoms.⁵

Life with Parkinson’s disease

DBS therapy, your way

See if DBS therapy may be right for you

Answer a few quick questions about your PD or ET symptoms. It should take no more than 5 minutes, and you’ll get information on whether our personalized therapy might be right for you.

Get started

Has a physician diagnosed you or a loved one with Parkinson’s disease (PD) or essential tremor (ET)?

Signs it’s time to look beyond Parkinson’s medication

As Parkinson’s disease progresses, the honeymoon phase of your medication can fade — causing symptoms to become more difficult to manage. While the Vercise Genus DBS System is designed to provide relief from these physical signs, it primarily treats movement symptoms and may not improve non-motor challenges like memory or mood changes.⁶

Medication wearing off

You may notice your symptoms return earlier than they used to, or your usual dose no longer lasts until the next one is scheduled.

Dyskinesia

High doses of medication can cause unexpected movements like swaying or twitching — often a sign that it’s time to explore a different type of therapy.

Fewer "ON" hours


You might have fewer hours each day where your symptoms are well-controlled, making your daily "OFF" times feel more unpredictable.

Planning life around doses

If you’re skipping social events or timing every activity around when your medication kicks in, your current treatment may no longer be enough.

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Deciding on DBS therapy with a specialist

While your primary care physician manages general care, a movement disorder specialist is the key to determining if DBS therapy is right for you. These neurologists have advanced training in Parkinson’s disease — guiding you through the testing and expectations needed to ensure therapy is the right fit for your symptoms.⁷

Find a DBS specialist
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Prepare for your doctor visit

Get the most out of your next appointment with our Doctor Discussion Guide. With helpful questions to ask about DBS therapy your way, you can feel confident and informed when speaking with your physician about DBS for your Parkinson’s disease.

Download the PD guide

Received DBS in 2018

Suzanne’s DBS story

“I was living my life around the medicine. It was so inconsistent. DBS has totally changed my life and given me back my independence.”


Received DBS in 2018

Ken G.’s DBS story

“I feel confident that as soon as I get these quads back, I’m going to be back, and that’s pretty exciting.”


Received DBS in 2018

Ann’s DBS story

“I just wish I had done this so much sooner. It’s like going from watching a movie in black and white to a big screen in full color.”


The patient quotes in this material describe real personal experiences. Individual results may vary. Consult with your physician to determine if you are a candidate for this procedure and what you may gain from the therapy.

More PD successes
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Create connections that matter

From local in-person gatherings to expert-led webinars, connect with those who know DBS and those who live with it to share experiences, gain knowledge, and find support.

Explore events
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Talk to someone who's been there

Our DBS Patient Ambassadors are here to share their personal experiences with the procedure. Whether you have questions or just want to hear a firsthand perspective about life with DBS, they’re here to support you.

Connect with an Ambassador

Take your next step toward DBS therapy

DBS therapy, your way

See if DBS therapy may be right for you

Answer a few quick questions about your PD or ET symptoms. It should take no more than 5 minutes, and you’ll get information on whether our personalized therapy might be right for you.

Get started

Has a physician diagnosed you or a loved one with Parkinson’s disease (PD) or essential tremor (ET)?

A person holds a smartphone while relaxing indoors with a mug in the other hand. The phone screen displays a website titled "Find a DBS specialist near you" with a search interface and a map.

Find Care

Locate a DBS specialist near you

Find a movement disorder specialist who offers Boston Scientific’s personalized DBS therapy near you.

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questions?

Call Patient Education

Our Patient Education Specialists can give guidance and answer any questions you have during your search for the right DBS System.

Call us at (833) 327-1473

Monday through Friday

7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. PT

References  

  1. Boston Scientific Corporation. Vercise Genus™ Product Specifications. 2026.
  2. Boston Scientific Patient Information Brochure. Navigating Parkinson's: Your Complete Guide to Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS).
  3. American Parkinson Disease Association. What is Parkinson’s disease? American Parkinson Disease Association website. Accessed April 13, 2026. https://www.apdaparkinson.org/what-is-parkinsons
  4. Parkinson’s Foundation. Movement symptoms. Parkinson’s Foundation website. Accessed April 13, 2026. https://www.parkinson.org/Understanding-Parkinsons/Movement-Symptoms
  5. Schuepbach WMM, Rau J, Knudsen K, et al; EARLYSTIM Study Group. Neurostimulation for Parkinson's disease with early motor complications. N Engl J Med. 2013;368(7):610-622. doi:10.1056/NEJMoa1205158.
  6. Parkinson’s Foundation. Stages of Parkinson’s. Parkinson’s Foundation website. Accessed April 13, 2026. https://www.parkinson.org/Understanding-Parkinsons/What-is-Parkinsons/Stages-of-Parkinsons
  7. Parkinson’s Foundation. Diagnosis. Parkinson’s Foundation website. Accessed April 13, 2026. https://www.parkinson.org/Understanding-Parkinsons/Diagnosis

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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