DBS A Patient Guide to Deep Brain Stimulation

DBS A Patient Guide to Deep Brain Stimulation by DBS experts Sierra Farris, PAC and Monique Giroux, MD distill a high tech brain surgery into understandable terms for every reader. This guide offers a wealth of information about DBS for Tremor, Dystonia and Parkinson's disease whether new to DBS or already living with DBS. The authors bring 14 years’ experience working as a DBS team in treating over 1000 patients with DBS. Their easy to read format is packed with practical tips in a patient-centered approach. The authors hope to promote patient empowerment by offering insights that are rarely shared outside the clinic appointment. Being well informed is the first step in making the right decision for you. Deep brain stimulation offers years of symptom relief for people with Parkinson's disease, tremor and dystonia. DBS may even modify the disease course and improve quality of life when other therapies are not enough. As medical consumers, patients must become their own advocates to ensure they are well informed, especially when considering brain surgery. Filled with case studies, personal stories, practical tips and unique graphics, this book offers in-depth easy to understand explanations for one of the most high tech procedures that can turn back the clock on neurological disease. DBS programming expert Sierra Farris, PAC explains that “the day you have DBS surgery is the first day of the rest of your life. Make sure you know what you are getting into and even more important, feel confident with your chosen team." These words echo the sentiments of both authors and their patient centered approach to care. Chapters include detailed explanations of DBS therapy, expectations for improvement, the surgical evaluation process, and surgical procedure. An emphasis on stimulation programming principles and troubleshooting steps for poor outcomes remains an important aspect to a life-time of therapy. Long-term care tips, DBS specific lifestyle tips and caregiver impact is discussed. Finally, myths and controversies make this book unique and an important guide for you- the patient. Worksheets can be found at www.dbsguide.com.

Sierra Farris, MA, MPAS, PA-C is a board certified physician assistant specialized in movement disorders and deep brain stimulation with significant experience with all aspects of DBS therapy including a special interest in DBS research and investigating DBS problems. Ms. Farris is Director of DBS Services at the Movement & Neuroperformance Center located in Englewood Colorado. Sierra works alongside Dr. Monique Giroux and assists during DBS surgery performed at Swedish Hospital in Englewood Colorado. (www.centerformovement.org) Ms. Farris is an author, researcher, bioethicist, physician assistant, teacher and mountaineer. Sierra is at the top of her field as an expert in deep brain stimulation therapy. Dr. Giroux is a board certified neurologist, movement disorders specialist and co-founder of the Movement & Neuroperformance Center in Colorado. Dr. Giroux is the only U.S. Neurologist to complete fellowship training in Movement Disorders and Integrative Medicine. She is medical director of Swedish Medical Center Movement Disorders and DBS program in Englewood, CO, medical faculty for National Parkinson's Foundation's National Allied Team Training Program and medical director of the Northwest Parkinson's Foundation. She has experience and leadership in interdisciplinary care, extensive training in DBS management, Botox therapies, and mindfulness based therapies. Dr. Giroux embraces a holistic approach to care including medical, surgical, rehabilitative and integrative therapies. She believes the best care combines the latest medical and scientific advances with compassionate care that instills hope, inspires and empowers. Dr. Giroux and Sierra Farris have been working as a team to advance DBS care since 2000.