The comprehensive Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) clinic is designed to meet the needs of individuals with DBS – regardless of where they live.
We offer the following types of appointments to meet your needs:
DBS Routine Programming
(battery checks and/or long-term care)
This appointment will last one-to-two hours to establish care and check the DBS system
DBS Re-Programming Clinic
(to confirm best stimulation settings)
This is a 3 day clinic designed to evaluate and optimize deep brain stimulation settings, eliminate side effects, assess medical management in conjunction with stimulation with focus on improving the quality of life for people living with deep brain stimulation.
Day 1: Evaluation on medication; review past programming results; set DBS goals
Patients receive a comprehensive medical evaluation and initial programming takes place.
Day 2: Extensive programming (off medication if PD); select best settings
Extensive programming takes place, along with evaluations from our speech, physical and occupational therapists if indicated.
Day 3: Assess programming; review medications; rehab if indicated
The patient’s response to stimulation is reviewed, and final adjustments are made for stimulation and/or medications as necessary.
We utilize past brain imaging if available and refer for imaging if needed. If surgical intervention is required, we collaborate closely with surgical teams in the Seattle area and across the US.
DBS Extensive Programming
(for ineffective stimulation or side effects)
Day 1: Evaluation on medication; review past programming, set programming goals,
evaluate for inpatient rehab admission (up to 5-10 days; depending on treatment plan)
Day 2: Extensive programming (off medication if PD); select best settings
Day 3: Assess programming; review medications, rehab therapy if indicated
Day 4: Final visit to assess programming and/or medication changes
Investigate DBS Hardware Problems or Lead Placement Evaluation
This is a one-to-two hour appointment to review past programming and check the DBS system. If additional programming is necessary, we will schedule one of the above programming appointments. If indicated, we can initiate a referral to one of our collaborating surgical teams for brain imaging or DBS system repair of revision.