Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS): Choosing Activa™ Therapy

To help you decide if Activa™ Therapy is right for you, Dr. Duma provides a thorough assessment of your tremor, your general physical condition, and your neurological status. He will assess your tremor of general symptoms of PD through rating scales, handwriting samples, and possibly videotaping.

Activa™ Therapy requires you to assume certain responsibilities. These include responding to questions during the implant procedure, following precautions regarding use of the system, and being available for follow-up programming. You will have an opportunity to discuss the implant procedure with Dr. Duma who will perform the operation. He specializes in surgical procedures for the brain that require the use of a special apparatus called a stereotactic frame.

Be sure to ask Dr. Duma any and all questions that you may have so that he may answer your questions regarding safety, expected outcomes, risks, and side effects.

Talk to People About Activa™ Therapy

Consider talking with people who are already implanted with the Activa™ System to learn directly what the procedure is like and how the therapy has affected their lives. You also can talk with people for whom the therapy was not successful. Ask Dr. Duma for the names of patients willing to discuss their experiences with tremor control therapy.

Risks of Surgery

Implanting the Activa™ Tremor Control Therapy System carries the same kinds of risks associated with any other stereotactic neurosurgery. These risks include:

• Bleeding inside the brain (2%)
• Leakage of fluid surrounding the brain (1%)
• Seizure (1%)
• Infection (2%)

While these risks are quite low, they could be life-threatening.

After surgery, you might be sleepy, and experience headaches. Discuss all of these risks with Dr. Duma so you are fully informed.

Possible Side Effects of Activa™ Therapy

Side effects usually are mild, and go away when stimulation is turned OFF. Dr. Duma can also adjust the stimulation so the side effects are eliminated or lessened.

Side effects may include:

• Tingling in the limbs or face (paresthesia)
• Facial and limb muscle weakness or partial paralysis (paresis)
• Speech problems (dysarthria)
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Movement problems or reduced coordination
• Jolting or shocking sensation

Before the Procedure

If you decide that Activa™ Therapy is right for you and the implant is scheduled, Dr. Duma will give you instructions regarding taking your medications, bringing health plan forms to the hospital, etc.