Q: Should a neurosurgeon perforrming DBS have any special training?
A: Yes. He or she should have done postgraduate fellowship or training in stereotactic functional neurosurgery. Also, you should always check that any surgeon in any specialty is board certified.

What DBS is

DBS
graphic

Consumer
tips

Protecting
yourself

Programming

Q: How important is microelectrode recording?
A: Microelectrode recording is critically important in achieving the optimal placement of the DBS. There should be a Ph.D. Neurophysiologist working together with the surgeon to target and map the placement. If this service is not provided... keep shopping.

Q: Who should make the decision if I am a candidate for DBS, my neurologist or the neurosurgeon?
A: Generally, the initial suggestion of DBS will come from your neurologist. The next step will be to have a consultation with a neurosurgeon, followed by an evaluation consisting of “on” and “off” timed tasks, videotaping and neuropsychological evaluation. This data should be presented at a team meeting consisting of the neurosurgeon, neurologist, neurophysiologist and movement disorder nurse. Together, this team will review all the options available to you, and determine the best course of treatment.

Q: After the surgery, who should I see for follow up?
A: Again, this needs to be a team approach. Your medication tapering should be guided by the neurologist, and programming adjustments of the DBS by a designated team member, this may be a nurse or neurophysiologist, or in some teams, a neurologist. All of the information about your care should be presented at the team meetings so that all of you care providers are on the same page.