(BPT) - Parkinson’s disease is a complex, debilitating disease that can be challenging to manage, and until now people with Parkinson’s who have an implanted deep brain stimulation (DBS) system have faced limitations when it comes to access to MR scans anywhere on the body.
Diagnostic care might not be top of mind for many, but especially as people age, access to MRI is important for continued health. According to the American College of Radiology, MRI is a valuable diagnostic tool for stroke, dementia and movement disorders, cancer, seizures, joint and muscle pain and cardiac issues. In fact, the use of MRIs has dramatically increased, with 33.8 million MRI scans performed in the U.S. in 2013.
It’s no different for people undergoing DBS therapy. Their ability to undergo an MRI is important because approximately seven out of 10 DBS-eligible patients with movement disorders may need an MRI within 10 years of receiving their device. However, there is good news for patients, as Medtronic recently announced that systems within its Activa portfolio of neurostimulators are the first and only DBS systems to receive FDA approval for full-body MRI under specific conditions of use.
Medtronic DBS Therapy uses a surgically implanted medical device, similar to a cardiac pacemaker, to deliver electrical stimulation to precisely targeted areas of the brain to reduce some of the disabling movement symptoms associated with Parkinson’s disease, including shaking, stiffness and slow movement, and to improve quality of life. Results with Medtronic DBS Therapy vary, and not every individual will receive the same benefits or experience the same complications. The therapy is not for everyone, and a prescription is required.
“People with Parkinson’s should have access to the same diagnostic care as anyone else, but historically access to full-body MR scans has been a critical unmet need with DBS therapy,” says Michael S. Okun, national medical director at the National Parkinson Foundation. “The ability to use this important diagnostic tool without interrupting DBS therapy is significant and may help facilitate a more optimal care experience.”
Previously, with Medtronic head-scan only labeling, the DBS system had to be turned off before the MRI scan. Now, some Medtronic DBS devices may remain on, when programmed to certain settings, throughout the MRI so the DBS therapy is not interrupted. This may improve image quality by minimizing disease-related movement symptoms and patients may take comfort in knowing that their therapy is not disrupted. Only Medtronic offers DBS systems that may remain on during the scanning procedure.
“The use of MRI as a diagnostic tool has grown significantly and patient access to MRI scans is critical to delivering the best long-term patient outcomes, especially since most patients who we consider for DBS therapy may need an MRI in the future,” says Gordon H. Baltuch, MD, PhD, director, Center for Functional and Restorative Neurosurgery and Professor of Neurosurgery at the Pennsylvania Hospital. Baltuch recently performed his 1,000th DBS implantation. “Now patients receiving a Medtronic DBS system can continue to receive the superior diagnostic, and potentially life-saving, benefits of MRI on any location of the body.”
Medtronic DBS Therapy may cause worsening of some motor symptoms and may cause speech and language impairments. Stimulation parameters may be adjusted to minimize side effects and attain maximum symptom control. Medtronic DBS systems are MR Conditional which means they are safe for MRI scans only under certain conditions. If the conditions are not met, the MRI could cause serious and permanent injury. Patients should discuss potential risks and benefits of DBS and MRI with the doctor who manages DBS Therapy.
More information about Medtronic DBS Therapy can be found at www.medtronicdbs.com or by calling (800) 328-0810.
http://www.atlanticcityweekly.com/online_features/health_and_wellness/positive-news-for-the-parkinson-s-community/article_2d296b52-c6d7-53fc-b07a-01d3a284347c.html
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