Parkinson's Patients: When Does The Effect Of Surgery Kick In?

For most Parkinson's patients, the brain pacemaker surgery—also known as deep brain stimulation (DBS)—is typically activated about a month after the procedure. Dr. Wang advises patients and their families not to be overly optimistic or pessimistic during the activation phase. Too many relatives crowding around can also add psychological pressure, which may negatively impact the effectiveness of the treatment.

Understanding Individual Variations In Recovery

Due to individual differences in physical condition, patients with similar stages of Parkinson's may experience varying response times to the stimulation. After activation, several follow-up programming sessions may be necessary to fine-tune the stimulation settings and adjust medication. The main goal is to reduce symptoms while minimizing side effects. Ideally, this should be achieved using the lowest possible stimulation intensity and the least amount of medication needed to significantly improve clinical symptoms.

Why Some Patients Notice A Drop In Benefits After Returning Home

Some patients often wonder: "Why did I feel so good on the activation day, but not as good once I got home?" There are several reasons behind this phenomenon:

1. The Initial Relief Feels Exceptional

The remarkable feeling of relief right after activation is often due to the sudden release of muscle tension, creating a sense of comfort that has been absent for a long time. It's similar to how a thirsty person feels after taking the first sip of water.

2. Expectations May Be Misleading

While the patient may indeed feel much better post-activation, the extremely positive experience might lead them to expect a full return to their pre-disease condition. When mild discomfort returns after a few days, it often results from a gap between expectations and reality. Many patients expect that initial high level of improvement to last indefinitely.

3. Medication Non-Compliance

In the early days after activation, some patients who were previously concerned about medication side effects may secretly reduce or stop taking their prescribed drugs, thinking the DBS device alone is enough. This behavior can significantly affect symptom control.

4. Muscle Weakness Becomes Apparent

After activation, muscle rigidity decreases and joint mobility improves, which can reveal underlying muscle weakness. This may lead to feelings of fatigue or difficulty walking, even though the device is working properly.

How To Sustain The Positive Effects

Dr. Wang explains that the improved condition experienced on activation day can be stabilized with proper strategies. While DBS is currently the most advanced method for managing Parkinson's symptoms, patients—especially those in mid to late stages—should not rely solely on device adjustments to achieve near-normal function.

Successful long-term outcomes require a combination of post-activation rehabilitation, including muscle-strengthening exercises and balance training, as well as retraining in daily living skills—starting with basic self-care. Taking advantage of the improved physical state after surgery to re-engage in hobbies and participate in meaningful mental and physical activities can greatly enhance quality of life.