Hi Vicky and Terri,
You can have MRI's post DBS as long as the stimulators are switched off completely by medtronic rep, neurologist or a nurse who does the programming. I've had several with no ill effect.
Regarding early rather then later for having DBS I guess it depends on what we or a neurologist would consider early vs late or more severe P.D. but this was (I thought) a good example I heard once.
A potential patient asked a neurosurgeon when it should be done ie now or later and the reply was this.
Practice playing the piano every day and you become very good at playing the piano. Have parkinsons every day for long enough you become very good at it.
MJF for some reason which I can't comprehend hasn't had it done. He had a unilateral pallidotomy a few yrs back with what appears to me when I've seen him interviewed and after reading his book very limited success.
Please any of you reading this who are anti DBS, don't bite my head off!
Regards,
Lee