Deep Brain Stimulator Pre-Surgical
Deep Brain Stimulator (DBS) Pre-Surgical Evaluation
A presurgical evaluation may be scheduled by your doctor/surgeon for several reasons, including:
To establish a baseline of neurocognitive and psychological functioning prior to surgery
To determine if there are any difficulties that may be exacerbated by the surgery
To determine if there are any issues that may interfere with your adjustment after surgery
To determine a patient’s cognitive strengths and any limitations in cognitive functioning
The evaluation process involves several steps, including:
Completing a comprehensive Life History Questionnaire
Reviewing additional information from medical records and chart notes from your referring provider
Meeting with Dr. Dees for an in-depth clinical interview with you and your family to discuss any current concerns about your cognitive functioning
The administration of various tests to examine your cognitive functioning – including generally intellect, attention and focus, language, learning, memory, visuospatial skills, sensory-motor functioning, executive functioning skills, emotional status, and personality.
Memory impairment can make it difficult for a patient to follow recommendations and adhere to a medication schedule, and significant memory impairment may indicate early signs of dementia. Therefore, it is important to determine the extent of any cognitive difficulties before making a decision whether to proceed with DBS surgery.
It is also important to examine emotional status and personality functioning. Acute anxiety or deep depression can interfere with thinking, planning, and problem solving. An inability to function effectively in these areas might impair judgment to an extent that the process of managing DBS becomes overly complicated and the advantages of DBS become difficult to see. Personality functioning itself may suffer, and an individual may find him/herself overly anxious and worried, or without interest or motivation in their lives.