Question: Am I a good candidate for STN stimulation? How can I tell if I will have good results? Rev. 03/03
Answer: Those people who fit the screening criteria have the following characteristics:
1) Have been diagnosed with bilateral idiopathic PD (cause unknown)
2) Are not cognitively or emotionally impaired
3 Your physical condition and age can tolerate the rigorous operation
4) At one time had a good response to levodopa (Sinemet) but at some point the medication has lost its effectiveness and/or the patient is experiencing debilitating side effects
5) You feel that the disease has compromised your Quality of Life. For example, I woke up one morning and decided that I had enough of crawling on all fours during my "off" periods. A quote from Dr. Kelly, my neuro-surgeon, was most persuasive, "after surgery you will consistently feel as good as you do when you are on your best ON."
6) Persons with depression, confusion, and other emotionally related issues should speak to their neurologist honestly and openly.
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