Re: Benefits of DBS

[Barry Black <blackxxx@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

So what are these changes , dont keep us in the DARK

I need some changes as my benefit from the op 2 years ago is gradually
deminishing and my doctor has made many adjustments with out a great deal of
progress.


----- Original Message -----
From: Dick Swindler <DSwind2940@xxxxxxx>
To: <PARKINSN@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Sent: Thursday, December 30, 1999 01:54
Subject: Benefits of DBS


> For those who have had DBS or are considering it, I thought I'd pass along
> Dick's interesting experience.  His condition has deteriorated lately,
with
> much more freezing, falling, bradykinesia, cognitive changes, etc.  He had
> his stimulator checked yesterday - it was fine, after more than four years
in
> place.  No battery problems, etc.  The nurse-clinician in charge of
> programming simply input a couple of changes in the programming, and he
was
> suddenly much better.  At that point, the freezing seems to have stopped
> completely.  He was also much more alert.  The nurse was surprised at his
> extreme degree of rigidiity when he came in, but that, too, responded
greatly
> to stimulator programming changes.
>
> He had bilateral pallidal stimulations, which target dyskinesia, but do
seem
> to help tremor, too.  (His tremor is entirely gone).  Pallidal stim is not
> supposed to have any effect whatsoever on freezing, though.  That's why we
> were surprised and pleased to find that the right programming put a stop
to
> the freezing immediately.
>
> Some of you may remember my writing about the study Dick participated in
> three years ago, which proved by means of PET scan that he functions much
> better mentally when his stimulator is on.  We were happy to find that a
> minor change in programming of the stimulator improved his mental
alertness
> this time, too.
>
> We're thrilled to know that further modifications in the programming will
> probably continue to be of benefit as his condition progresses, and
thought
> those of you who have recently had DBS, or are considering it, would like
to
> hear of our experience.
>
> Margie Swindler, cg for Dick, 55/18
>