Is Activa DBS right for everyone?
Doctors usually recommend Activa DBS for dystonia patients experiencing troubling motor symptoms, for whom oral medical therapy has failed.
How do I find out if I am a candidate for Activa DBS?
You should talk to your neurologist to learn about the procedure, and to see if you are a candidate for Activa DBS. Upon evaluation, your doctor will determine if Activa DBS is appropriate for you.
Is the operation painful?
There may be some discomfort during the initial stages of the surgery; however, your brain is not sensitive to pain. The first part of the procedure, in which the leads are positioned in the brain, may be performed under general or local anesthesia. If local, the anesthetic is applied to the scalp in the entry area for the leads. During the second stage, when the leads are positioned and the neurostimulator is implanted, you are placed under general anesthesia. You will then stay in the hospital for a short time, to recover from the surgery.
Can Activa DBS be used in children with dystonia?
Dystonia, particularly the generalized form, often affects children. Children seven years of age and older can be considered candidates for Activa DBS. The procedure is contraindicated in children under seven years of age, as continued growth of the skull may cause migration of the Activa DBS lead. Growth may also require additional length to the extension.
How long does the neurostimulator last?
Typically your battery will last three to five years. However, depending on your neurostimulator settings, the battery may last as few as 1½ years or as many as seven. Your doctor may give you an estimate based on your therapy settings.
What is an HDE?
Humanitarian use devices are medical devices approved by the FDA for the treatment of medical conditions affecting fewer than 4,000 new patients per year. The FDA reviewed the safety of the device and determined that the probable health benefits outweigh the risks of injury or illness from its use. Effective treatment of symptoms, however, has not been studied in formal clinical trials. Surgery to implant Activa DBS for Dystonia can only be performed in medical centers that specifically approve its use.
How do I know if Activa DBS is the right choice?
Only an experienced neurologist can determine if Activa DBS is right for you. If you are interested in learning more about Activa DBS, ask your neurologist for an evaluation.
