DBS awake or under general anesthesia

[gingerj]

I've been told that for my DBS operation I will be under general anesthesia. I'm just wondering what others have experienced. I like the idea of a good sleep and waking to find the operation over but I was under the impression that when done awake the patient can indicate when the probes are correctly placed and are giving the most symptom relief.

[IdaOphelia]

I was fortunate enough to have mine done a year ago at Johns Hopkins in Baltimore. I knew I could not do it awake knowing how long I would be immobile . But I also trusted my surgeon who is very experienced. I knew that he would place the probes as precisely as humanly (or computer-drivenly) possible. It's very exact these days - I later saw my own post operative 3D scan - perfect. Also, my doctors said that they really don't see a difference between the patient being awake or anesthetized. But if your interested in really being there for it....

I'm very glad with my results. Good luck!

[gingerj in reply to IdaOphelia]

Thanks Ida. Very reassuring 👍

[Sherry1960]

I was kept comfortable through out the surgery. I needed to be awake so my neurosurgeon knew where to place the probes. I was asked to say the days of the week several times during my surgery as well. He wanted to be certain of the cognitive part of my brain.

[Pauldmd]

I had my DBS surgery in 2008 and requested to be awake throughout the surgery. It has more to do with my curiosity about the procedure than worrying about the outcome. These alternative was too be awakened when necessary for the probe placement. I did have a terrible headache after the surgery from being immobilized for so long, but I found the experience fascinating.

[gingerj in reply to Pauldmd]

Thanks Paul. I myself am not that curious. I think I'd be more nervous. So for that reason asleep suits me better.

[Gumm in reply to gingerj]

good luck with the DBS Ginger. Please keep us posted about your postop recovery.

[gingerj in reply to Gumm]

Will do. I meet with the surgeon on 29th April, so still a bit of time off yet. Even so a lot goes through my mind especially in the middle of the night when everything seems worse. 🫣

[jeeves19]

the MRI enables precise placement of the electrodes. Sleep is fine and many ways is superior to awake.

[gingerj in reply to jeeves19]

Reassuring Jeeves. I guess you were asleep?

[jeeves19 in reply to gingerj]

Sure thing

[Bunny622023]

Your description is what happened when my husband had bilateral DBS into GPI area which used MRI placement of course. Being awakened once the electrodes were ready to be inserted, to get perfect placement, was key our Neuro said. As you say 'gingerj' - they are able to run tests at the time to get that perfect placement which our Neuro said was optimum. He had zero pain, or sensations of at all. The hardest being awake was having to stay still, even though you are held very tightly obviously in the apparatus when things are happening. He wasn't 'scared at all, or anything untoward. But the not being able to move was a big thing.

[gingerj in reply to Bunny622023]

I think that staying still without medication would be impossible for me. So I'm glad they're knocking me out

[Scout222]

Note your upcoming DBS and wish you the best outcome. As a full time carer I have an interest and have been following the various articles on the newer DBS alternative of MR- Guided Focused Ultrasound for the treatment of certain Parkinsons conditions. Curious to know what the take up has been for this procedure in the UK if it is in fact available in the first place? Cheers

[gingerj in reply to Scout222]

Don't think the offer focused ultrasound in the UK

[Gumm in reply to Scout222]

I had a pre-DBS assessment a few weeks ago and the neurologist mentioned a new procedure being rolled out in England later this year. Could this be the procedure?

[gingerj in reply to Gumm]

Perhaps. The surgeon who is to do my DBS has pioneered Focused ultrasound to help children with epilepsy at alder hey hospital. Jonathan Ellenbogen.

[Arthurtunga]

Hi recently I had DBS surgery, it's easy process. I slept through all surgery. No need to worry.

[gingerj in reply to Arthurtunga]

Thanks Arthur. I think I would prefer to be asleep. Has your DBS improved things for you?

[Arthurtunga]

I got my surgery done 10th January and initially reduced symptoms, eased on medication and pains last week pace maker turned on with lowest current,it's going to take 6 seasons to find fine tune Which will reduce intake medication. I was on stalevo 100 mg 8 time a day now 6 already plus I can easy sleep ,plus involuntary movement reduced 90 percent.My benefits from DBS surgery a lot I m very positive about it

[gingerj in reply to Arthurtunga]

Sounds positive cheers

[LagLag37]

I have a friend that just had DBS last week and he went with no anesthesia and he believes it is the best way to go. He had the procedure in Cincinnati and said it was the way to go. He is thrilled he had it and is glad he was awake. He had his controller put in yesterday and he was asleep for that surgery. He’s already reduced his meds. I don’t know if that’s just a “honeymoon “ period or what but he is hyped about it. He had such a positive attitude going into it. I’m thinking about having it but I’m sacred. My good times are good but my bad times are bad but I’m thinking I may be running out of time. I was diagnosed 20 years ago.🥊🤷🏻‍♀️