1. Tiefe Hirnstimulation - Erwartungen und Bedenken.
- Author
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Südmeyer, M., Volkmann, J., Wojtecki, L., Deuschl, G., Schnitzler, A., and Möller, B.
- Subjects
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PARKINSON'S disease , *DECISION making , *FAMILIES , *BRAIN stimulation , *THERAPEUTICS - Abstract
Background: The aim of this questionnaire-based study was to determine the decision-making motives from Parkinson's patients and their family members for deep brain stimulation (DBS), which are crucial for the attitude towards this therapy and which should be considered during the clinical interview. Material and methods: The questionnaire was sent out nationwide to members of the German Parkinson Association. Patient and family specific data as well as information sources, doubts and expectations with respect to DBS were assessed. Results: A total of 582 patients and 476 family members answered the questionnaire, revealing that 96% of the patients and 91% of the family members already possessed information regarding DBS. While a large proportion of interviewees had specific expectations concerning DBS, more than two thirds expressed concerns regarding DBS; the most frequent with respect to intraoperative complications and stimulation-induced worsening of symptoms. The quantity of realistic patients and family expectations significantly correlated with a positive evaluation of DBS and doubts as well as unrealistic expectations of family members correlated with a negative attitude towards the operation. Conclusions: The findings suggest that patients and their relatives organized in support groups indeed possess detailed information regarding DBS. However, for the acceptance of the treatment a timely elucidation about DBS as well as responding to the individual concerns by the consulting physician is essential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2012
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