Results and Testimonials
Testimonials abound regarding the success of deep brain stimulation therapy for Parkinson’s patients. As with everything on the Internet, they should be taken with a grain of salt. Testimonials located on the websites of the companies themselves should be examined with an especially critical lens.
- Consider these testimonials from a company in India that has implanted a total of 45 deep brain stimulation devices.
- A more critical but still positive testimonial from American patient Jane Ross.
- A dramatic look at the benefits of this therapy can be seen in two video clips of Viola Thornton, a 77 year old woman, as she writes on a piece of paper. First with the device off and then with the device on. (RealVideo format) Source: The University Hospital
- As with any medical procedure, there are risks to deep brain stimulation.
Costs
The cost of deep brain stimulation surgery varies greatly but averages about $50,000. The hardware alone makes up about $12,000 of that cost.
According to testimony before the Senate Committee on Aging, Parkinson’s disease is estimated to costs the U.S. an estimated $25 billion per year. While deep brain stimulation alleviates many symptoms and thus has potential to decrease the amount of money spent on drugs, it is not a cure.
On February 6, 2003 the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services announced an intention to cover deep brain stimulation for patients with severe disabling tremor disorder or Parkinson’s disease. The decision was made in response to a request from a Medicare beneficiary. In terms of private insurance, coverage varies.
Sources: Parkinson’s Action Network; WebMD Interview with Dr. Erwin Montgomery, MD; Seniors.gov
