Re: Benefits of DBS

[William Harshaw <harfolk@xxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Chris,

On December 14 I celebrated the fifth anniversary of my left pallidal DBS,
the first in North America. Pre-op I was in the  90th percentile of PWPs;
now I'm in the 10th percentile.

Would you be interested in vetting a draft of the second edition of my
booklet "Neurosurgery for Parkinson's: a patient's perspective"?
----- Original Message -----
From: "Chris van der Linden" <cvdlinde@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
To: <PARKINSN@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Sent: Thursday, December 30, 1999 4:16 AM
Subject: Re: Benefits of DBS


> > 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.
>
> Dear DBSers,
>
> There is a difference between stimulation adjustments of STN and pallidum,
> so you cnnot compare the two.
> In addition, there is a difference among STN patients or among pallidal
> patients.
> The adjustments need to be made systematically and PREFERRABLY in the
> hospital.
> A sudden improvement after an adjustment may just be a placebo effect, so
> you have to wait some days to see whether the result is sustained.
> Adjustments should be made by a physician specialized in the field and NOT
> BY A NURSE.
> As a matter a fact the Neurological Programmer for making the adjustments
> states that this device should be restricted for sale, distribution, and
use
> by a physician.
> Advice on which stim. parameters are the best is very difficult because of
> interindividual differences.
>
> Good luck, and a happy 2000 for you all.
>
> Chris van der Linden, M.D.
>