surgery

Hi Cathy,

I am not a dbser but have had two hip joint replacements. Both were done with a spinal and I had no pain for the surgery. I would recommend that over general anethesia.

2nd point is this. Be very clear about your pd meds.
most hospitals will want to give you your levadopa or whatever you take when it works for thier schedule. Really impress on them that you need your meds and on time.

Good luck Cathy

Cathy, the following advice refers to a patient with DBS who is about to undergo knee surgery.
If you have to have a general anesthetic you could request a spinal one which means you'd be awake. It's considered safer for PD patients but it's really your choice.

If you google 'anesthesia for DBS patients about to undergo knee surgery' you'll get more detail.

If you are undergoing surgery and you have DBS, most anesthetics are safe. However, some precautions need to be taken when using electrocautery. Electrocautery stops bleeding during surgery and could potentially reset your stimulator to its factory settings. As a precaution, only bipolar electrocautery is recommended (with grounding placed below the level of the device). If your neurologist is on staff at the hospital where you are getting surgery, he/she should confirm that your stimulator is on and that the correct settings are reset following surgery. If your neurologist is not at the hospital where you are being operated, you should schedule a follow-up appointment soon after you are discharged from the hospital to recheck your settings.

Be aware of what procedures can be done safely with DBS, and be ready to assume primary responsibility for turning it on and off for procedures.

Be aware that for unclear reasons some symptoms worsen following general or local anesthesia, and some patients have even reported feeling as if they never return to their baseline. In general, local anesthesia is thought to be safer than general anesthesia, and if you have problems with thinking and memory, they should be evaluated prior to surgery .

could anyone enlighten me on the following what anesthetic is offered to patient who has had DBS and needs knee surgery

thanks
cathy