What does the future look like? Will we be gallivanting around in flying automobiles? Perhaps our homes will be keyless and completely automated to the sound of our voice. Maybe we will have robots that are programmed to be our caregivers. Considering how fast technology is growing, these ideas may not be that unlikely. Just look at when you buy a brand new computer and one year later it’s considered old and decrepit.
If you’re going to have Parkinson’s disease, now is a good time to get it. The medical advances in treatment options only are impressive. There is hope in the air. We have things coming down the pipeline that makes me believe we are getting close to having better control of this beast PD. One of these treatment options that has been gaining popularity is Deep Brain Stimulation.
Since the introduction in 1987 of Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) to manage Parkinson’s disease symptoms, its evolution has led it to be a popular and acceptable form of treatment. For those who don’t know… DBS is the surgical implantation of an impulse generator, which sends continuous electrical pulses to a targeted part of the brain.
There are approximately 150,000 people worldwide who have been implanted with DBS. But nothing has really changed for last decade except for fine-tuning the placement of the leads and minor changes to the battery (the stimulator). So what’s the future of DBS? Well I have had a glimpse of what lies ahead for Medtronic (who is the oldest and most used manufacturer of Deep Brain Stimulation Technology)… and let’s just say it’s a game changer.
Now before I get into the possibilities that the future might hold, please read my disclaimer in the fine print below…
“The future of DBS” is based on information I have gained from my personal interactions with Medtronic reps and although I am super-stoked about the upcoming advances, it’s important to know that there is no there is no time frame for when these therapies will be available, nor is there any guarantee about the details or changes in their technology. These are just concepts that they are working with the FDA to advance the future of Deep Brain Stimulation. Also, I want to remind you that my blog is strictly for entertainment purposes and is not meant to diagnosis or treat any medical illness. I’m not a doctor, and although I am freakishly smart, you should probably follow-up with someone a little more serious than myself.
The future of Deep Brain Stimulation is looking bright. Here is a list of the upcoming advances in the works:
-Better placement of the leads: With the new technology, your Neurosurgeon will have the ability to visually see the placement of the lead in your brain. This will provide more accurate implantation of the electrodes.
-Visual programming of the device: Your clinician will be able to adjust your stimulators by looking at a tablet, which will provide a picture of what geographical location in the brain they are sending electrical current to. With this visual, they can also see the volume of stimulation, which will improve the efficacy of your device with minimal side effects.
-Increased information about past programming trends: With the new visual programming, clinicians will be able to track your prior settings and look for patterns in symptom relief or side effects of DBS.
-Flexible wires: With new stretchy wires, you will have more range of motion in the neck and decrease the chance of breaking a wire… oh yes, it happens. Just check out when I broke my wire.
-MRI Compatible: Parkies who need MRI’s for diagnostic purposes are unable to do so with DBS, this has caused a lot of frustration. No need to worry about that with MRI conditionally safe stimulators.
-Compatible with already existing implanted leads: If you already have Deep Brain Stimulation, don’t start thinking you will be missing out on the new upgrades. All new technologies will be compatible with your currently placed leads.
-Improved patient programmer: Patients will also get an upgrade. No more garage-door-opener-ish gadget that isn’t very user friendly. The new programmer will be a smart device and easy to operate… yes, even for those who are technologically challenged.
-Sensory technology: Now this is cool… The future technology will focus on DBS being able to sense when you are experiencing increased symptoms and then will adjust your settings to accommodate those fluctuations. Imagine a device sensing when you are having difficulty and then increasing your voltage to give you more control. This is like up there with unicorns and yetis… unbelievable.
-Cranial implants: Ready to have your mind blown? In the future, there will be no more wires tunneling down your neck to your chest. Instead, thumb drive sized stimulators implanted under the scalp, which will be rechargeable, (by wearing a charging hat… which I am sure is not fashionable) and increased battery life up to 15 years… KA-BOOM!
I particularly like: “Compatible with already existing implanted leads: If you already have Deep Brain Stimulation, don’t start thinking you will be missing out on the new upgrades. All new technologies will be compatible with your currently placed leads.” , as a recipient in 2016 of bi-lateral DBS with the 9 year Medtronic battery powered Neurostimulator. My DBS has been quite successful. Happy days.
Steve,
Yes, it’s very exciting!
I honestly believe in quality of life and not quantity. I am 61 and I don’t want to worry about batteries on my brain and all the potential side effects. Exercise
Including yoga and walking on the beach everyday and happy hour with my boyfriend every night are way better for me than the thought of dbs. Companionship and laughing and love are the best medicine for me and having two great daughters really
enforces my Wolfpack. Every day is a good day when I get up and count my blessings.
Dianne, what a blessing!
How to tell if your wire or wires are linked or broken, hubby’s is reading that all is ok, however his meds “appear” not to be working. He has had a couple of falls. Thank you
Go to whoever programmed him, they can test the leads. Good luck!
Please don’t give a pass to asleep DBS. Look for the work of Dr. David VanSickle here in Denver. Being under anesthesia for the complete procedure is a game changer. Right now my main concern is that the battery packs won’t get in the way of my backpack shoulder straps! 🙂
Cynthia,
My batteries are under my breast tissue and I haven’t had any issues with carrying a backpack, but that’s just my experience. I’ve also heard of people placing then stimulators in the abdominal area. But I didn’t go that route. I just didn’t want to see the stimulators if I wore a low cut shirt… I know…. kind of vain decision, but I’m happy it was an option for me.
My decision to have DBS was one of the best decisions that I have ever made. I was diagnosed in 2012 and most people have no idea that I have Parkinsons, including my other doctors. My neurosurgeon said that it would take me back to the way that I was seven years ago. I had my surgery while I was asleep, the only way to go! My surgeon also brought in a plastic surgeon to place the generator batteries behind my chest wall. If you are considering DBS , I am telling you that you can get your life back! Blessings to all on yours the journey!
Lori,
Great to hear you had a good experience! I’m right with you!
I had DBS surgery August 2018. The procedure has given me. Back my life. My right side was useless but with DBS i am functioning normally. I had the Abbott Lab system which has some of the improvements that were mentioned.
Tom,
Amazing what medical technology has given us!
Looking for a WiFi version. That whole wire thing is fraught.
Dad, all in good time. It’s happening!
I am going on the 22nd for the asleep dbs. Anxious but so ready. Thanks for all your info
Nadine,
Good luck! Keep us posted!
My DBS has been flawless for the past ten years! I’ve converted (on my second change) my in chest stimulator to a Medtronics rechargeable unit, that is very easy to manage the time for recharging. I charge my unit every Monday (between when it says 25 to 50% still charged). It takes a couple of hours of watching tv or reading. It’s been a ”NO BRAINER” for sure! The only thing I could wish for is a faster charger!
Scott, I’m so happy to hear that DBS has worked well for you.
Oh my gosh, to not have these batteries in my chest would be so awesome… I seriously hate them so much .. they hurt.. as always I’m praying for you..and am so appreciative of the information you share.
My brother had DBS ten years ago for dystonia, one of those ‘orphan’ diseases that causes tremors but isn’t Parkinsons. The most beneficial part of the procedure was his flexor and relaxor muscles were no longer working at the same time. He’s not completely pain free, but his spastic kicks and reaches have stopped. Would he do it all over again? You bet. If anyone else out there has a friend or acquaintance with dystonia, let them know that DBS is an option and to speak with their neurologist about it.
Dani, thank you for your comment!
This is very exciting news. I had DBS in the summer of this year and it has changed my life life for the best. I have taken my life back!!
To Chris Bezio I say, read what Annie Parkins says about her experience with DBS.
Do we know how far in the future are these developments? My husband had DBS 3x. No beneficial results to date. Now can’t walk, eat or speak.
Thank you for sharing and for constantly informing what’s around the bend. At least I feel informed and aware when I sit down with my doc. In turn, my appointment becomes more of a discussion, versus solely an update.
I was offered DBS surgery almost 2 years ago now. I am in a wheelchair most of the time due to balance and strength issues now. At the time I was using a rollator. The thought of DBS scares me and I read that if you have balance and walking issues before DBS you have a much greater risk of developing even worse symptoms after. Just curious as to what if any thoughts anyone might have on this.
My experiences most challenges you face can be amplified with DBS. Such as speech, if you’re having difficulty with talking or swallowing, those deficiencies can be amplified with the implantation. But with that said, I would followup with a Nuerosurgeon and see what your options are. Good Luck!
still a little scary to think about getting to, but with anti tremor meds causing a rash (amantadine) and cognitive issues (artane), I may need to sign up for your superhero training class if the doc can’t find me something soon!
I had DBS one year ago, after 17 years post diagnosis. I went in feeling motivated and strong and positive, and came out with practically all symptoms gone, even anxiety and constipation. Of course, being the female that I am, I didn’t realize till I put on 20 lbs. that my tremors were what was making me 95 lbs. of weakling. I’d grown to eat anytime, anything and often. Gals wanted to know my secret. Imagine that? Now, I am at 115, working my way to 110, my ideal weight. It’s hard to lose weight. Now, I understand the weight loss dilemna. So glad to have that problem. I feel great, and found that pushing the exercise really keeps me stronger than ever.
Thanks for sharing the DBS future – I’m looking forward to it.
I wish you well in your journey to that place of optimal weight and happiness.
Happy to hear all is well with you. I’m having the same problem with weight. Ate anything I wanted…now post DBS…10-15 lbs. heavier. Any good diet/exercise hints?
I know! It’s frustrating. I have ran into the same challenges, but I just live by the rule that I do one thing for myself each day… walking, working out, or yoga. Then it doesn’t seem so overwhelming!
I can so relate to the weight issues – my tremor also burns cals like crazy and I can’t put weight on or hold it. Having PTT FUS (Pallido-thalamic tractotomy focused ultrasound surgery) in April and can’t weight. It’s a better option for me than DBS but so glad they are improving the DBS technology if I need it in the future. Also hoping they clinical trial PTT FUS in the future in the US as it is showing incredible promise for those of us that can’t handle medication.
As someone who has DBS (as part of a clinical trial at NIH) I am excited to learn about these developments in the pipeline. DBS has made a significant difference for me and helped me control my dyskinesia. It was a godsend.
Thanks, Perk. You have always been my go-to- gal for all things P.D. Miss you. P. M.
Miss you too PM!