Q1: How does the deep brain electrical stimulation system work as a treatment?
A1: Through electrodes implanted in the brain, deep brain electrical stimulation delivers weak electrical pulses to the relevant nuclei that control movement, regulating abnormal neural electrical activity and achieving symptom reduction or control.
Q2: Which Parkinson’s patients are suitable to receive deep brain electrical stimulation therapy?
A2：Patients with a clear diagnosis of intermediate to advanced Parkinson’s disease, who are or were effective on levodopa drugs (methyldopa, Xanax), but drug therapy has gradually declined or side effects have appeared, and the disease has begun to affect normal work and life, are suitable for this therapy. To ensure the efficacy of the procedure, your doctor will conduct a series of evaluations before you receive this therapy, taking into account all the influencing factors related to the disease, and promptly excluding patients who do not meet the indications for the procedure to ensure the efficacy of the procedure.
Q3: Can deep brain electrical stimulation cure Parkinson’s disease?
A3: There is no cure for Parkinson’s disease. Deep brain electrical stimulation can treat the main symptoms of Parkinson’s disease and improve the quality of life, but it does not cure the disease.
Q4: How many people have received deep brain dot stimulation therapy?
A4: Since 1997, more than 60,000 patients worldwide have benefited from deep brain electrical stimulation therapy.
Q5: Where can patients receive deep brain electrical stimulation therapy?
A5: Patients who wish to receive deep brain electrical stimulation therapy can first discuss with a neurosurgeon whether this therapy is suitable for you, who will give you guidance or recommend you to receive treatment at an appropriate hospital that performs deep brain electrical stimulation.
Q6: How long does it usually take for hospitalization before surgery, surgery and recovery time?
A6: The length of hospitalization varies from person to person, but it usually takes about 1-2 weeks on average from the time you are hospitalized for pre-surgery examination, undergo surgery to the time you are discharged from the hospital.
Q7: Is there any follow-up treatment after the neurostimulator implantation?
A7: Usually after the neurostimulator is implanted and discharged from the hospital, you must return to the hospital periodically for program control so that your doctor can adjust the stimulator parameters to keep the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease under optimal control.
Q8: Will the deep brain electrical stimulation system be visible?
A8: The entire deep brain electrical stimulation system: electrodes, extension leads, and neurostimulator (batteries) are embedded in the body. A small bump can be felt on the surface of the skin of the chest, but it is not easily noticed by others when wearing clothes. There may be a small bump on the head, which will be covered by hair some time after the surgery and is also not easily detected. The surgeon will try to implant the neurostimulator where it feels most comfortable and least visible to you.
Q9: How long do the batteries in the neurostimulator last?
A9: The battery life of the neurostimulator varies from person to person, depending on the parameters set and the number and time of day the neurostimulator is turned on, the battery usually lasts 5-8 years.
Q10: Can the battery be recharged?
A10: There are currently two types, rechargeable and non-rechargeable. For non-rechargeable, when the neurostimulator battery runs out, the old stimulator must be removed and replaced with a new one. Rechargeable batteries are relatively expensive and not many patients are currently choosing them.
Q11: What does the stimulation feel like?
A11: Most patients will not feel the stimulation. You or your family can judge and experience the stimulation status by observing the improvement of your Parkinson’s disease symptoms. It cannot be ruled out that some people may feel a slight transient tingling sensation when the neurostimulator is turned on.
Q12: How to adjust the stimulation parameters?
A12: Your doctor can adjust the stimulation parameters of the neurostimulator to meet your treatment needs with a special device (medical programmable device). You yourself can also use the bilateral simple remote control to fine-tune the stimulation parameters within the safety range set by your doctor.
Q13: Does the Deep Brain Electrical Stimulation System produce any noise?
A13: No.
Q14: Will some daily electronic devices affect the deep brain stimulation system?
A14: Most everyday electronics (including home appliances, computers, office appliances, cell phones, and personal wireless phones) do not affect this system. However, if the neurostimulator is only a few centimeters (inches) away from small magnetic objects (such as wireless radios, wireless radios, magnetic therapy, magnets, and refrigerator door magnets), the neurostimulator may be turned on or off. This situation can be turned back on with a simple remote control. Other large devices that may affect the opening and closing of the neurostimulator must also be treated with caution. These include strong magnetic field stereo, MRI (magnetic resonance imaging), large factory equipment, electric welders, electric heaters used in industry to bend plastic, electric fusion furnaces, cable lines, and substations and power farms.