Long-Term Care for Parkinson Patients Treated with Deep Brain Stimulation

Long-term care after deep brain stimulation for Parkinson's disease should not only focus on a technical check of the implanted device and monitoring of battery drain. If the patient's condition deteriorates, malfunctioning of the stimulation system, comorbidity or natural progression of the underlying disease has to be considered and treated accordingly. Patients with fixed unphysiological movement patterns may benefit from rehabilitative programmes. Psychosocial maladjustment may call for psychotherapy or family counselling. Relevant aspects of stimulation as well as multiprofessional treatment modalities are presented, which may contribute to long-term patient satisfaction.