I am interested in learning more about DBS, but most of the info on-line addresses the procedure itself. I would like to know: How do Dr's determine whether you are a suitable candidate for DBS? Also, what type of recovery time is involved after before you return to "normal" (working, etc).

hi nhtom

here is some more about the DBS from the Cleveland Clinic, who would likely be the best source to answer your questions
http://cms.clevelandclinic.org/neuro...FQWMgAodgX79fQ

There was an interesting story on our Australian TV last night. The show was on Catalyst which is on the ABC (Aust. Broadcasting Corporation) about a young man with generalized dystonia. The footage of him before and after was just amazing. He can now ride a bike and kick a football and even walk long distances. Before that he was having a very difficult time indeed just doing anything. In this story there was a time lapse after the actual surgery before the stimulator was switched on. I think this was one of the first actual cases of using DBS for a patient with Dystonia in Australia. I'm aware that the US is a long way more advanced, but still thought this article might be of benefit.

Catalyst > Stories > Deep Brain Stimulation
This is just the transcript...
Deep Brain Stimulation
Reporter: Dr Maryanne demasi
8 March 2007
http://www.bananasinpyjamas.com/cata...s/s1864329.htm

There is also the Dystonia Foundation site which might have articles in it that can answer your concerns as well.
http://www.dystonia-foundation.org/

e.g. http://www.dystonia-foundation.org/p.../221.php?id=14

From the Dystonia Dialogue: Deep Brain Stimulation for Dystonia

By Jawad A. Bajwa, MD, Benjamin L. Walter, MD, and Jerrold L. Vitek, MD, PhD
Neuroscience Institute, Cleveland Clinic

topics covered include these below (there are more) ....

What is DBS?
What Types of Dystonia Can DBS Improve?
Which Patients Are Eligible & What Is the Selection Process?
What Should One Expect Before & After Surgery?

I had DBS surgery last December (2007). Since DBS surgery is extremely invasive, the doctors will want you to try medications first. There are about 10-15 different ones (i tried about 6 of them....some are similar enough that if one of them didn't work, ones like them won't either). The reason for different trials of meds is 1) the insurance won't usually cover the surgery unless other avenues have been exhausted, and 2) sometimes people do very well on medications for several years. The recovery time: I had my surgery 12/19/07, was out of the hospital on 12/21/07 and was ready to return to work in a month. Amazing huh?! I was amazed at how quickly the recovery was. I was told it takes 4-8 months for all the internal swelling to go down but it doesn't interfere with normal tasks after about a week or two. If you have any further questions, feel free to ask. Carol~*~

Please tell me more about the DBS. I'm going to have it in January. Did you have your head shaved?.. Did your Dr. tell you how long the DBS lasts?What were your symtoms before you had it done and are they gone now? Thanks Ruby

Great Carol.
Would you please tell me/us if you suffer DYT1+ gene generalized dystonia? I suffer this and I d love to know if it works. I am very happy for your results. It will give a lot of hope to many of us !!

Hi I have cervical dystonia my head was over to the right and facing downwards, I tried all sorts of medication and botox but it did not work. i had DBS last July I was in hospital 5 days and was off work for 3months recovery period is around 8 weeks. I have been back to London 3 times to have my battery turned up.The operation has been a great success my only concerns are I now suffer nausea, loss of appetite and have lost 4st in weight which is being investigated.Having DBS was the best thing I did.I returned back to work full time in October.