Questions to ask your doctor: Parkinson's: Adaptive DBS and Focused Ultrasound Guide

A printable checklist to take to your appointment. Based on our guide Parkinson's: Adaptive DBS, Focused Ultrasound and AI Early Detection.

1. Is my Parkinson's at a stage where DBS or focused ultrasound could help me, or should we first try changing my medicines?
2. Which of my symptoms are likely to improve, and which are not (for example balance, speech or memory)?
3. Am I a candidate for adaptive DBS, and would my brain signal be suitable for adaptive mode?
4. If I already have a Percept device, can adaptive mode be switched on for me?
5. What are the pros and cons of DBS compared with focused ultrasound for someone like me?
6. If I had focused ultrasound, would it be one side or both, and what is the risk of lasting speech, walking or balance problems?
7. Is this treatment approved and funded where I live, or would I need to join a trial or pay privately?
8. How many of these procedures does your centre do each year, and who will look after my follow-up?
9. Would a wearable monitor help us adjust my treatment?
10. If my diagnosis is uncertain, would a skin biopsy or spinal fluid test be useful, and what would the result change?

Also worth asking

1. What is adaptive deep brain stimulation for Parkinson's?
2. Is adaptive DBS better than regular DBS?
3. Can I switch my existing DBS to adaptive mode?
4. What is focused ultrasound for Parkinson's and does it involve surgery?

My notes

This checklist is general information, not medical advice. Your doctor knows your situation best.