After Your Deep Brain Stimulator Placement

WOUND CARE

You may shower 48 hours after your surgery. Let soap and water run over the incision. DO NOT scrub it. Pat it dry.

You may continue to shower after your staples or sutures (“stitches”) are removed.

If you have steri-strips (small tapes) over your incision, these will gradually begin to curl up and fall off, if they have not fallen off by 7 days they can be removed.

DO NOT submerge (tub bath or swim) your incision for 2 to 4 weeks.

You may wear a stockinette cap or clean scarf on your head.

ACTIVITY GUIDELINES

At the time of discharge you should be able to care for yourself, however, you should not perform household duties or care for others.

DO NOT bend or lift anything heavier than 5 pounds for at least 2 weeks

Exercise by taking short walks with frequent rest periods.

Avoid strenuous activity.

DO NOT drive a car until you are seen back in office or until cleared by your physician.

Resume taking all of your normal medications as they have been prescribed.

SYMPTOMS TO REPORT TO YOUR PHYSICIAN

Any signs and symptoms of infection such as fever of 101 degrees or higher, redness or swelling of incision, increased pain, or wound drainage.

Changes in mental function such as confusion, restlessness, or drowsiness.

New or increased weakness of the arms/legs, and/or difficulty speaking or walking.

Persistent or severe headache, extreme stiffness in your neck, changes in your vision or seizures.

Calf tenderness and/or calf swelling

PAIN MEDICINE

If you are given a prescription for pain medication, take the medication only when needed and only for as long as you need it.

Pain medications containing a narcotic can cause constipation, drowsiness, or lightheadedness.

To prevent constipation, you may increase your water intake and increase the amount of fruit and fiber in your diet. If these measures do not help and you become constipated, you may use an over-the-counter stool softener (such as Colace), or a mild laxative (such as Milk of Magnesia

Please note that many narcotic pain medications cannot be refilled over the telephone. If you need a refill on your pain medication, please contact your Family Physician first. If your Family Physician is unable to refill your prescription, you may call our office. This may require that you come to the office to pick up a prescription.

HOW TO CONTACT US

If you have any problems or questions call the office at 717-920-7664.

You may send an e-mail if you wish to info@pnni.org. Please specify which physician you are seeing

HELPFUL LINKS

National Parkinsons Foundation

Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinsons Research

Parkinsons Disease Foundation

International Essential Tremor Foundation

Activa Tremor Control Therapy

HOW TO CONTACT US

If you have any problems or questions call the office at 717-920-7664.

You may send an e-mail if you wish to info@pnni.org. Please specify which physician you are seeing.

FOLLOW-UP APPOINTMENT

If you need to schedule a follow-up appointment or have questions about your appointment, please call 717-920-7664.