Hello fellow patients,
I turned 52 recently and was also diagnosed quite recently. My question is about DBS. How soon or at what stage should one go for it? At the moment, I’m only having tremors on my left hand whenever I do any kind of movement, like walking, on the treadmill, shaving or sometimes even when I’m holding the phone with the same hand. Just to give you an idea, so that you guys can offer good advice.
Is it best to go without it for as long as possible, or the sooner the better?
Thanks very much in advance.
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Hello @fatheroftwo , thank you for sharing your question about deep brain stimulation (DBS). We hope the community can share their experiences of DBS to help. However, it’s important to remember that everyone’s experience is different, and although many people benefit from DBS, it isn’t a suitable treatment for everyone with the condition.
There are no official guidelines for who can have DBS. But research shows that having the treatment in the early stages of Parkinson’s may help to slow the progression of symptoms.
DBS for Parkinson’s is recommended if symptoms are seriously impacting your quality of life and ability to perform daily activities. Your movement symptoms respond well to medication (such as levodopa), but it’s become less effective, and you have bad ‘off’ periods. And you’re not experiencing serious issues with memory and thinking, hallucinations, dementia, or severe depression.
You can read more about DBS, the benefits, disadvantages, and if it’s right for you on our website: Considering deep brain stimulation | Parkinson's UK
If you have any more questions, we’re here to help, and you can also speak to your specialist or Parkinson’s nurse to explore if you’d be eligible and if it would be right for you personally.
Take care 
Parkinson’s UK Moderation Team
Hello father of two. I had the DBS op in August 2015, when I was 63. Wow, how time flies. My main problem was a tremor in my right hand.
With an interview and cognitive tests, I was deemed a candidate for DBS.
Was it worth it? Well I think so. My tremor disappeared altogether and now, it is only when I’m stressed. Unfortunately the other symptoms, stiffness, cramps, and the wriggles which can be very painful, remain. I hope I haven’t put you off. Take care. Jackie.
Hi Jackie,
Thanks very much for your reply. Glad to hear your tremor has disappeared. In theory, I wish I could last long like Glenn Tipton from Judas Priest. I mean in the charity song from last year, he looked good. I do know that the disease treats each one differently, but I wouldn’t being like him in that state. At least, he was on his feet and able to play the guitar after years of being diagnosed. It kind of motivates me and gives me hope, but I also understand the treatment that he has had is quite costly