Does having DBS reduce or eliminate the number of falls compared with before the operation?

[Norton1]

A friend of mine has had DBS, but still falls, sometimes daily. Has anyone had the same experience, but eliminated falling by having the DBS 'adjusted' or by having had a change in their medication?

[compucure]

From my own experience it actually reduces the number of falls...... Tony

[Norton1 in reply to compucure]

Great. Thank you Tony.

[Jash]

In my experience, I didn't fall before DBS; after is when I developed freezing and balance issues--for a while. Over the course of programming in the first year, these issues, along with my severe tremors, were adjusted. I have no tremor now and occasional balance isses. With physical therapy, I've learned to have better balance and have avoided falling.

[Norton1 in reply to Jash]

Thank you Jash for your positive response. Long may it continue.

[Kadie57]

I had dbs with feeds in both sides of the brain, at first it was a honeymoon, no meds no falls the world was spinning as it should -- then slowly things started up again. Yes the shaking did stop, which I am gratefully for every single day I open my eyes. BUT (always a but) I have fallen - big time falls like at the stop n shop, embrassment is the only way I got off that floor, took the paper rack with me and BAM ! there I was at the checkout on the floor. This usually happens if I m moving to fast, my feet freeze, over I go, or if I m over tired, but it doesn't happen every day. I suggest that the meds need checking, and the machine when my current was to high it would draw my left foot up and toes would curl making it hard to walk, also check your friends gait, are the feet wide enough to balance and walk, Parkies tend to balance on their feet tight to each other rather than apart, my feet need to be straight -- apart-- and my hips are stationed above the feet, (imagine this as you walk) Hope this helps !! God bless and thank you for being a caring friend!!

[Rampage357 in reply to Kadie57]

I had DBS done on both sides of the brain, First two years I did not fall at all, the 3rd year I fell twice in the shower, If I move very slowly and think about what I am doing I do not fall. I am now 71 years old.

[Norton1 in reply to Rampage357]

It is gratifying Rampage357 to know that you have managed to employ. 'Mind over matter' to stop your falls.

[Norton1 in reply to Kadie57]

Thank you Kadie57 for reporting your DBS experience so directly and the advice you offer which I will certainly pass on to my friend. Thank goodness I stayed with this site after the recent changes. There could well be a little 'nugget' in your reply which will make a big difference in his life when looked at again.

[Kadie57]

Thank you I just had to decide how to live with PD so knowledge and friends are the answer.

[Norton1]

I have just read your 'about me' story and found it interesting, especially the 900 tablets a month that you used to take!

Norton

[isis6361]

In the uk people with poor balance and falls generally would not qualify for DBS as it is evidence based and recognised that the risk of increasing falls is high.

[Norton1]

That is interesting isis6361. Although i did not know him before 2009 when he had the DBS operation, my understanding is that he was falling frequently and he was told it could possibly reduce the number the of falls he has, but he takes medication eight times a day as well.