Singer-Songwriter Jill Sobule Triumphs Over Tremors

The "Supermodel" artist continues her guitar heroics with the assistance of Infinity DBS neuromodulation technology.

Singer-Songwriter Jill Sobule Triumphs Over Tremors

Pain and Movement|Oct.16, 2023

I lost my keys, I lost my heart
I lost my car in the parking lot
Lost my voice but can hear her sing
From the Island of Lost Things.

— Jill Sobule, “Island of Lost Things”

The best songwriters find their purpose in words both personal and universal. The best singers find a note or nuance that brings those words unique resonance. The best guitar players find their fingers telling a story that highlights those songs’ irony, passion, humor and more.

Jill Sobule found all these things — embodies all these things — in her decades-long recording and performing career.

Her talents as a performer, a writer and a cultural observer, are on full display in her two most iconic hits: “Supermodel,” a memorable highlight of the highlight-filled 1995 movie “Clueless, and “I Kissed a Girl,” a pop anthem that brought voice to an underrepresented community.

But it was her hands — her guitar-playing hands — that threatened to betray those talents and derail her performing career. For years, Sobule was suffering from a condition (essential tremor) she’d never heard of, that she would ultimately treat with a neuromodulation device she’d never heard of (Infinity Deep Brain Stimulation [DBS] System), developed by a company she’d never heard of (Abbott).

Jill Sobule, with Abbott’s support, would find a way to play.

Finding Her Style

Sobule found her love early. “I remember being 4 or 5 and we had Beatles, Rolling Stones and Kinks records. My older brother played in a garage band, so I heard the cool music while my friends listened to teeny bopper stuff. My parents had Broadway soundtracks and jazz, and my friend’s dad was a head usher at Denver’s biggest rock venue, so I got to see all kinds of bands. I grew up with lots of great music.”

Which is not to say she always played great music. “My first instrument was the drums. I wanted to be Keith Moon (of The Who, known for his energetic, free form style),” she said, adding, with a laugh: “It must have been hell for my folks.”

Fulfilling the dream of all housemates of nascent drummers, her parents did manage to convince her that the guitar was a “nicer instrument,” not that it did much to turn the volume down. “I wanted to play ‘Hey Joe’ like Jimi Hendrix,” she said. “It was weird for a girl to be playing rock guitar then. The understanding was that girls finger-pick, boys shred. But I wanted to shred.”

The passion was there, and the fingers weren’t far behind, but a key piece clicked into place when Sobule started listening to some of rock music’s legendary storytellers — talents like Bob Dylan and Joni Mitchell.

I thought of myself primarily as a guitar player, so it wasn’t until late high school that I first tried writing songs, she said.It took me some time to develop my personality as a songwriter, trying to learn from people I admired.

“I started to see music as the soundtrack to the scenes in my head.”

Finding Her Passion … and Being Discovered

But those scenes did not yet include dreams of “Tonight Show” appearances, roles in feature films or sold-out performances.

First, she had to earn her big break — and she had some good fortune there.

During her junior year at Colorado University, Sobule traveled to Europe for her studies as a major in international affairs. (“Because who makes money by playing music?”)

“One night, my friend asked if I wanted to join her busking (performing music on street corners) to make some extra money, so we did that,” she said. “A guy who owned a local club asked us if we wanted to play his place, which we ended up doing for four months.

“I got hooked and decided that was what I wanted to do with my life.”

Dropping out of college, she worked waitressing jobs and performed wherever she could, building a following in her hometown before deciding it was time to move to New York. As one does.

At her goodbye-to-Denver show — just like when the club owner in Europe changed the direction of her life — a man from Warner Chappell Records approached her and asked her to come to Nashville to work with other songwriters.

“If that club guy hadn’t walked by, or if the record exec hadn’t been at that show, I probably wouldn’t have had a career,” she said.

She paused and smiled. “So many great things have happened because I had no marketable skills to do anything else.”

Losing Touch

But as her musical skills became increasingly marketable, her physical dexterity — crucial to her guitar-playing — seemed to be heading in a different direction.

In her 20s, when she first noticed subtle changes in her hands, Sobule passed it off as being naturally “hyper.” Did it really matter if her handwritten lyrics were a little difficult to write and read? Besides, a keyboardist friend also had what they both called “shaky hands.”

But the condition worsened over time to the point where it could no longer be ignored. It was impacting her guitar playing and the livelihood she loved.

She had heard of Parkinson’s disease, but this was not that. “It started off as annoying when people would say I looked nervous playing,” she said.

“But then, I had people asking if I had a drinking problem or had delirium tremors from withdrawal due to my drinking problem.” (Spoiler alert: she had neither).

“You’d be surprised at how comfortable some people feel asking relative strangers, ‘What’s wrong with you?’ It was disconcerting,” she said. “You don’t want anything distracting from your performance, and I didn’t want people worrying about me.”

Finally, at a TEDMED conference in the mid-aughts, just after she was done performing before a large group of medical professionals, someone else approached her with a life-altering question. This time it was a neurologist: “Has anyone ever diagnosed you with essential tremor?”

Finding Answers

Essential tremor, or ET, is a neurological disorder that causes involuntary shaking, most often in the hands and arms. Unlike Parkinson’s, it is not life-threatening, though it can be extremely debilitating.

Tremors start in the hands and arms but can affect the head and voice as well. As the condition worsens, which it often does with age, the tremors may become more severe, as they did in Sobule’s case. For the next several years, she was treated with medication that helped, but did not eliminate the tremors.

“One of the tough things about essential tremor is no one has heard of it,” she said. “You kind of want to tell people beforehand that you may look like you’re going to poke your eye out applying mascara, you may drop something, or your playing will look different. You want to educate people but also don’t want to call attention to it.

“I would want water during a live set but would choose to have dry mouth while singing rather than have the audience watch me try to drink from a glass. You want to play through it, but then you hear people afterwards talking about how ‘nervous’ you seemed, or worse.”

Finding the Bright Side of a Pandemic

When COVID hit, Sobule couldn’t tour, so she started doing virtual shows over Zoom. And that meant she could see her hands on camera.

“They were shaking even more than I’d realized,” she recalled. “I spoke to my neurologist for several months about my options and he told me about Abbott’s Infinity DBS System and why he thought it would be a good fit for me.”

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is a therapy in which electrical impulses are sent to parts of the brain that aren't working properly. According to the International Neuromodulation Society, a DBS system helps to restore the stability of brain circuits that have been disturbed so brain activity can return to normal.

Like one of Sobule's songwriting idols, John Prine, Sobule has always used humor to tell a serious story. “Rainy Day Parade” is a Bacharach-inspired happy tune about depression. “Lucy at the Gym” draws on Sobule’s own disordered eating history. And it’s probably best not to share all the lyrics to the anthemic “America Back.”

Dealing with her condition was no different. “Nobody could tour, and I got tired of the online concerts, so, I figured, ‘When am I going to have this kind of time? Why not have some brain surgery?’

“Even if it didn’t work on me, I’d only have lost two patches of hair and bought some cool hats.”

Never one to miss an opportunity to perform, Sobule played to a small but very attentive crowd during the implantation of her Infinity DBS System that confirmed the proper placement of the device. Her social media clip was a sensation, bringing much-appreciated humor to an operating room packed with medical professionals.

But she can — just as quickly — return to the reality of her situation: “I wonder what I would have done if I hadn’t had the Infinity DBS implanted,” she said. “I’m sure I would still find a way to write and make music, but I think the instrument would have become too difficult. That would have been inevitable.

“And that would have broken my heart ... I’m a guitar player.”

Finding New Talents

And she is so much more.

In addition to her touring, playing the occasional friend’s wedding and writing her next album, Sobule splits much of her time between the coasts, returning to New York this fall to again stage her off-Broadway musical, “F--- 7th Grade,” based on her songs and middle school experiences. Earlier this year, it was a rare off-Broadway show nominated for the prestigious Drama Desk Award for Best Musical.

While in New York, Sobule will also likely return to one of her favorite venues in the world, Joe’s Pub at The Public Theater in Manhattan, where she has played often over the years.

Whenever she is there, Sobule finds her muse, her voice, and her true home: the live stage, singing her songs and finding the notes she once feared she might lose forever.

On a song from her recent album “Nostalgia Kills,” Sobule sings of the disappointment of loss, envisioning a place where things we value go after they leave us:

I’d like to book a trip there
Maybe I could find
Traipsing through the ruins
The dream I left behind
I’d put it in my pocket
And I’d clip its wings
So it could never fly again
To the Island of Lost Things.

Her Infinity DBS technology keeps Jill Sobule’s ability to play her guitar in her nimble fingers, available to create, ready to find her next inspiration far, far, away from “The Island of Lost Things.”

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

DEEP BRAIN STIMULATION (DBS) THERAPY

Prescription And Safety Information
Read this section to gather important prescription and safety information. For specific indications, contraindications, instructions, warnings, precautions, and adverse effects about system components available in your country or region, see the approved clinician's manual for those components.

Intended Use
This neurostimulation system is designed to deliver low-intensity electrical impulses to nerve structures. The system is intended to be used with leads and associated extensions that are compatible with the system.

Indications For Use

United States:
The neurostimulation system is indicated for the following conditions:

  • Bilateral stimulation of the subthalamic nucleus (STN) or the internal globus pallidus (GPi) as an adjunctive therapy to reduce some of the symptoms of advanced levodopa-responsive Parkinson’s disease that are not adequately controlled by medications.
  • Unilateral or bilateral stimulation of the ventral intermediate nucleus (VIM) of the thalamus for the suppression of disabling upper extremity tremor in adult essential tremor patients whose tremor is not adequately controlled by medications and where the tremor constitutes a significant functional disability.

International:
The neurostimulation system is indicated for the following conditions:

  • Unilateral or bilateral stimulation of the thalamus, internal globus pallidus (GPi), or subthalamic nucleus (STN) in patients with levodopa-responsive Parkinson’s disease.
  • Unilateral or bilateral stimulation of the ventral intermediate nucleus (VIM) of the thalamus for the management of disabling tremor.
  • Unilateral or bilateral stimulation of the internal globus pallidus (GPi) or the subthalamic nucleus (STN) for the management of intractable, chronic dystonia, including primary and secondary dystonia, for patients who are at least 7 years old.

Contraindications

United States:
This system is contraindicated for patients who meet the following criteria:

  • Are unable to operate the system
  • Have unsuccessful test stimulation

The following procedures are contraindicated for patients with a deep brain stimulation system. Advise patients to inform their healthcare professional that they cannot undergo the following procedures:

  • Diathermy (short-wave diathermy, microwave diathermy, or therapeutic ultrasound diathermy)
  • Electroshock therapy and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS)

International:
Implantation of this neurostimulation system is contraindicated for the following:

  • Patients for whom test stimulation is unsuccessful.
  • Patients who are unable to properly operate the system.

The following procedures are contraindicated for patients that have been implanted with this device:

Diathermy therapy. Do not use short-wave diathermy, microwave diathermy, or therapeutic ultrasound diathermy (all now referred to as diathermy) on patients implanted with a neurostimulation system. Energy from diathermy can be transferred through the implanted system and can cause tissue damage at the location of the implanted electrodes, resulting in a severe injury or death. 

Diathermy is further prohibited because it may also damage the neurostimulation system components. This damage could result in loss of therapy, requiring additional surgery for system replacement. Injury or damage can occur during diathermy treatment whether the neurostimulation system is turned on or off. All patients are advised to inform their healthcare professional that they should not be exposed to diathermy treatment.

MRI Safety Information

Some models of this system are Magnetic Resonance (MR) Conditional, and patients with these devices may be scanned safely with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) when the conditions for safe scanning are met. Scanning under different conditions may cause device malfunction, severe patient injury, or death. For more information about MR Conditional deep brain stimulation (DBS) components and systems, including equipment settings, scanning procedures, and a complete listing of conditionally approved components, refer to the MRI procedures clinician's manual for DBS systems (available online at medical.abbott/manuals). 

For more information about MR Conditional products, visit the Abbott Medical product information page at neuromodulation.abbott/us/en/healthcare-professionals/mri-support.html

Warnings

The following warnings apply to this neurostimulation system.

Pregnancy and nursing. Safety and effectiveness of neurostimulation for use during pregnancy and nursing have not been established. Patients should not use this neurostimulation system if they are pregnant or nursing.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Some patients may be implanted with the components that make up a Magnetic Resonance (MR) Conditional system, which allows them to receive an MRI scan if all the requirements for the implanted components and for scanning are met. A physician can help determine if a patient is eligible to receive an MRI scan by following the requirements provided by Abbott Medical. Physicians should also discuss any risks of MRI with patients.

If any component of the implanted neurostimulation system, such as an IPG, lead, or extension, does not meet the requirements for an MR Conditional system, do not perform an MRI scan. If a system does not meet the MR Conditional requirements, consider it MR Unsafe.

High stimulation outputs and charge density limits. Avoid excessive stimulation. A risk of brain tissue damage exists with parameter settings using high amplitudes and wide pulse widths. High amplitudes and wide pulse widths should only be programmed with due consideration of the warnings concerning charge densities. The system can be programmed to use parameter settings outside the range of those used in the clinical studies. 

If the programming of stimulation parameters exceeds the charge density limit of 30 μC/cm2, a screen will appear warning you that the charge density is too high. Charge density can be reduced by lowering the stimulation amplitude or pulse width. For more information, see the clinician programmer manual.

Higher amplitudes and wider pulse widths may indicate a system problem or a suboptimal lead placement. Stimulation at high outputs may cause unpleasant sensations or motor disturbances or may render the patient incapable of controlling the patient controller. If unpleasant sensations occur, the device should be turned off immediately using the patient magnet.

Risk of depression, suicidal ideations, and suicide. New onset or worsening depression, which may be temporary or permanent, is a risk that has been reported with DBS therapy. Suicidal ideation, suicide attempts, and suicide are events that have also been reported. Therefore, physicians should consider the following:

  • Preoperatively, assess patients for the risks of depression and suicide. This assessment should consider both the risk of depression and suicide as well as the potential clinical benefits of DBS therapy for the condition being treated.
  • Postoperatively, actively monitor patients for new or worsening symptoms of depression, suicidal thoughts or behaviors, or changes in mood or impulse control.
  • If a patient experiences new or worsening depression or suicidal ideation, manage these symptoms appropriately.
  • Educate patients and caregivers about these potential risks prior to implantation, and be sure that they know about the importance of ongoing support and follow-up, including when to contact their health care provider.

Poor surgical risks. Neurostimulation should not be used on patients who are poor surgical risks or patients with multiple illnesses or active general infections.

Explosive or flammable gasses. Do not use the clinician programmer or patient controller in an environment where explosive or flammable gas fumes or vapors are present. The operation of the clinician programmer or patient controller could cause them to ignite, causing severe burns, injury, or death.

Operation of machinery and equipment. Patients should not operate potentially dangerous machinery, power tools, or vehicles or engage in any activity that could be unsafe if their symptoms were to unexpectedly return.

Device components. The use of components not approved for use by Abbott Medical with this system may result in damage to the system and increased risk to the patient.

Electrosurgery. To avoid harming the patient or damaging the neurostimulation system, do not use monopolar electrosurgery devices on patients with implanted neurostimulation systems. Before using an electrosurgery device, place the device in Surgery Mode using the patient controller app or clinician programmer app. Confirm the neurostimulation system is functioning correctly after the procedure.

During implant procedures, if electrosurgery devices must be used, take the following actions:

  • Use bipolar electrosurgery only.
  • Complete any electrosurgery procedures before connecting the leads or extensions to the neurostimulator.
  • Keep the current paths from the electrosurgery device as far from the neurostimulation system as possible.
  • Set the electrosurgery device to the lowest possible energy setting.
  • Confirm that the neurostimulation system is functioning correctly during the implant procedure and before closing the neurostimulator pocket.

Radiofrequency or microwave ablation. Careful consideration should be used before using radiofrequency (RF) or microwave ablation in patients who have an implanted neurostimulation system since safety has not been established. Induced electrical currents may cause heating, especially at the lead electrode site, resulting in tissue damage.

Implanted cardiac systems. Physicians need to be aware of the risk and possible interaction between a neurostimulation system and an implanted cardiac system, such as a pacemaker or defibrillator. Electrical pulses from a neurostimulation system may interact with the sensing operation of an implanted cardiac system, causing the cardiac system to respond inappropriately. To minimize or prevent the implanted cardiac system from sensing the output of the neurostimulation system:

1.        1. Maximize the distance between the implanted systems; 

2.        2. Verify that the neurostimulation system is not interfering with the functions of the implanted cardiac system; and 

3.        3. Avoid programming either device in a unipolar mode (using the device’s can as an anode) or using neurostimulation system settings that interfere with the function of the implantable cardiac system.

Other active implanted devices. The neurostimulation system may interfere with the normal operation of another active implanted device, such as a pacemaker, defibrillator, or another type of neurostimulator. Conversely, the other active implanted device may interfere with the operation of the neurostimulation system.

Case damage. If the case of the implantable pulse generator (IPG) is pierced or ruptured, severe burns could result from exposure to battery chemicals.

Cremation. The IPG should be explanted before cremation because the IPG could explode. Return the explanted IPG to Abbott Medical.

Component disposal. Return all explanted components to Abbott Medical for safe disposal. IPGs contain batteries as well as other potentially hazardous materials. Do not crush, puncture, or burn the IPG because explosion or fire may result.

Coagulopathies. Physicians should use extreme care with lead implantation in patients with a heightened risk of intracranial hemorrhage. Physicians should also consider underlying factors, such as previous neurological injury or prescribed medications (anticoagulants), that may predispose a patient to the risk of bleeding.

Low frequencies. Stimulation frequencies at less than 30 Hz may cause tremor to be driven (meaning that tremor occurs at the same frequency as the programmed frequency). For this reason, programming at frequencies less than 30 Hz is not recommended.

IPG placement. The IPG should be placed into the pocket, at a depth not to exceed 4 cm (1.57 in), with the logo side facing toward the skin surface. Placing the IPG deeper than 4 cm (1.57 in) can impede or prohibit IPG communications with the clinician programmer or patient controller.

Return of symptoms and rebound effect. The abrupt cessation of stimulation for any reason will probably cause disease symptoms to return. In some cases, symptoms may return with a greater intensity than what a patient experienced before system implantation (rebound effect). In rare cases, this can create a medical emergency.

Precautions

The following precautions apply to this neurostimulation system.

General Precautions

Surgeon training. Implanting physicians should be experienced in stereotactic and functional neurosurgery.

Clinician training. Clinicians should be familiar with deep brain stimulation therapy and be experienced in the diagnosis and treatment of the indication for which the deep brain stimulation components are being used.

Patient selection. Select patients appropriately for deep brain stimulation. The patient should be able and willing to use the patient controller and correctly interpret the icons and messages that appear on the screen.

Especially consider the following additional factors when selecting patients:

  • Level of available support from a caregiver.
  • Expected effect from cessation of therapy, should disease symptoms return unexpectedly.
  • Patient's age, as very young or very old patients may have difficulty performing required monitoring of the device.
  • Patient's mental capacity, as patients with cognitive impairment or those prone to developing dementia would likely have difficulty performing device-related tasks without assistance.
  • Patient's physical ability, as patients with higher degrees of motor impairment might have difficulty with the physical requirements of monitoring the device.
  • Patient's visual ability to read the patient controller screen.

Infection. Follow proper infection control procedures. Infections may require that the device be explanted.

Electromagnetic interference (EMI). Some equipment in home, work, medical, and public environments can generate EMI that is strong enough to interfere with the operation of a neurostimulation system or damage system components. Patients should avoid getting too close to these types of EMI sources, which include the following examples: 

  • commercial electrical equipment (such as arc welders and induction furnaces), 
  • communication equipment (such as microwave transmitters and high-power amateur transmitters), 
  • high-voltage power lines, 
  • radiofrequency identification (RFID) devices, 
  • and some medical procedures (such as therapeutic radiation and electromagnetic lithotripsy).

Security, antitheft, and radiofrequency identification (RFID) devices. Some antitheft devices, such as those used at entrances or exits of department stores, libraries, and other public places, and airport security screening devices may affect stimulation. Additionally, RFID devices, which are often used to read identification badges, as well as some tag deactivation devices, such as those used at payment counters at stores and loan desks at libraries, may also affect stimulation. 

Patients should cautiously approach such devices and should request help to bypass them. If they must go through or near a gate or doorway containing this type of device, patients should move quickly and then check their IPG to determine if it is turned on or off.

Unauthorized changes to stimulation parameters. Caution patients to not make unauthorized changes to physician-established stimulation parameters.

Damage to shallow implants. Falling and other traumatic accidents can damage shallowly implanted components such as the leads and extensions.

Keep programmers and controllers dry. The clinician programmer and patient controller are not waterproof. Keep them dry to avoid damage. Advise patients to not use the patient controller when engaging in activities that might cause it to get wet, such as swimming or bathing.

Handle the programmers and controllers with care. The clinician programmer and patient controllers are sensitive electronic devices that can be damaged by rough handling, such as dropping them on the ground.

Battery care. Batteries can explode, leak, or melt if disassembled, shorted (when battery connections contact metal), or exposed to high temperature or fire.

Long-term safety and effectiveness. The long-term safety and effectiveness of this neurostimulation system has not been established beyond 5 years. Safety and effectiveness has not been established for patients with a neurological disease other than Parkinson’s disease or essential tremor, previous surgical ablation procedures, dementia, coagulopathies, or moderate to severe depression; patients under 22 years; implantation in targets other than the STN for Parkinson's disease and the VIM for essential tremor; patients with an active implantable device; patients requiring MRI.

Sterilization And Storage

Single-use, sterile device. The implanted components of this neurostimulation system are intended for a single use only. Sterile components in this kit have been sterilized using ethylene oxide (EtO) gas before shipment and are supplied in sterile packaging to permit direct introduction into the sterile field. Do not resterilize or reimplant an explanted system for any reason.

Storage environment. Store components and their packaging where they will not come in contact with liquids of any kind. Detailed information on storage environment is provided in the appendix of this manual.

Handling And Implantation

Expiration date. An expiration date (or “use-before” date) is printed on the packaging. Do not use the system if the use-before date has expired.

Care and handling of components. Use extreme care when handling system components. Excessive heat, excessive traction, excessive bending, excessive twisting, or the use of sharp instruments may damage and cause failure of the components.

Package or component damage. Do not implant a device if the sterile package or components show signs of damage, if the sterile seal is ruptured, or if contamination is suspected for any reason. Return any suspect components to Abbott Medical for evaluation.

Exposure to body fluids or saline. Prior to connection, exposure of the metal contacts, such as those on the connection end of a lead or extension, to body fluids or saline can lead to corrosion. If such exposure occurs, clean the affected parts with sterile, deionized water or sterile water for irrigation, and dry them completely prior to lead connection and implantation.

Skin erosion. To avoid the risk of skin erosion, implant components at the appropriate depth and inform patients to avoid touching their skin where components are implanted. The IPG should be placed into the pocket, at a depth not to exceed 4.0 cm (1.57 in), with the logo side facing toward the skin surface.

System testing. To ensure correct operation, always test the system during the implant procedure, before closing the neurostimulator pocket, and before the patient leaves the surgery suite.

Device modification. The equipment is not serviceable by the customer. To prevent injury or damage to the system, do not modify the equipment. If needed, return the equipment to Abbott Medical for service.

Multiple leads. When multiple leads are implanted, route the lead extensions so the area between them is minimized. If the lead extensions are routed in a loop, the loop will increase the potential for electromagnetic interference (EMI).

Abandoned leads and replacement leads. The long-term safety associated with multiple implants, leads left in place without use, replacement of leads, multiple implants into the target structure, and lead explant is unknown.

Placement of lead connection in neck. The lead-extension connector should not be placed in the soft tissues of the neck due to an increased incidence of lead fracture.

Hospital And Medical Environments

Electrical medical treatment. In the case that a medical treatment is administered where an electrical current is passed through the body from an external source, first deactivate the IPG by setting all electrodes to off, turning stimulation off, and setting amplitude to zero. Regardless if the device is deactivated, take care to monitor the device for proper function during and after treatment.

High-output ultrasonics and lithotripsy. The use of high-output devices, such as an electrohydraulic lithotriptor, may cause damage to the electronic circuitry of an implanted IPG. If lithotripsy must be used, do not focus the energy near the IPG.

Ultrasonic scanning equipment. The use of ultrasonic scanning equipment may cause mechanical damage to an implanted neurostimulation system if used directly over the implanted system.

External defibrillators. The safety of discharge of an external defibrillator on patients with implanted neurostimulation systems has not been established.

Therapeutic radiation. Therapeutic radiation may damage the electronic circuitry of an implanted neurostimulation system, although no testing has been done and no definite information on radiation effects is available. Sources of therapeutic radiation include therapeutic X rays, cobalt machines, and linear accelerators. If radiation therapy is required, the area over the implanted IPG should be shielded with lead. Damage to the system may not be immediately detectable.

Electrocardiograms. Ensure the neurostimulator is off before initiating an electrocardiogram (ECG). If the neurostimulator is on during an ECG, the ECG recording may be adversely affected, resulting in inaccurate ECG results. Inaccurate ECG results may lead to inappropriate treatment of the patient.

Home And Occupational Environments

Patient activities and environmental precautions. Patients should take reasonable care to avoid devices that generate strong EMI, which may cause the neurostimulation system to unintentionally turn on or off. Patients should also avoid any activities that would be potentially unsafe if their symptoms were to return unexpectedly. These activities include but are not limited to climbing ladders and operating potentially dangerous machinery, power tools, and vehicles. Sudden loss of stimulation may cause patients to fall or lose control of equipment or vehicles, injure others, or bring injury upon themselves.

Control of the patient controller. Advise patients to keep the patient controller away from children and pets in order to avoid potential damage or other hazards.

Activities requiring excessive twisting or stretching. Patients should avoid activities that may put undue stress on the implanted components of the neurostimulation system. Activities that include sudden, excessive or repetitive bending, twisting, or stretching can cause component fracture or dislodgement. Component fracture or dislodgement may result in loss of stimulation, intermittent stimulation, stimulation at the fracture site, and additional surgery to replace or reposition the component.

Activities requiring coordination. Loss of coordination is a potential side effect of DBS therapy. Patients should exercise reasonable caution when participating in activities that require coordination, including those that they were able to perform prior to receiving DBS therapy (for example, swimming).

Bathing. Patients should exercise reasonable caution when bathing.

Component manipulation by patient. Advise your patient to avoid manipulating the implanted system components (e.g., the neurostimulator, the burr hole site). This can result in component damage, lead dislodgement, skin erosion, or stimulation at the implant site. Manipulation may cause device inversion, inhibiting the ability to use the magnet to start or stop stimulation.

Scuba diving or hyperbaric chambers. Patients should not dive below 30 m (100 ft) of water or enter hyperbaric chambers above 4.0 atmospheres absolute (ATA). Pressures below 30 m (100 ft) of water (or above 4.0 ATA) could damage the neurostimulation system. Before diving or using a hyperbaric chamber, patients should discuss the effects of high pressure with their physician.

Skydiving, skiing, or hiking in the mountains. High altitudes should not affect the neurostimulator; however, the patient should consider the movements involved in any planned activity and take precautions to avoid putting undue stress on the implanted system. Patients should be aware that during skydiving, the sudden jerking that occurs when the parachute opens may cause lead dislodgement or fractures, which may require surgery to repair or replace the lead.

Wireless use restrictions. In some environments, the use of wireless functions (e.g., Bluetooth® wireless technology) may be restricted. Such restrictions may apply aboard airplanes, near explosives, or in hazardous locations. If you are unsure of the policy that applies to the use of this device, please ask for authorization to use it before turning it on. (Bluetooth® is a registered trademark of Bluetooth SIG, Inc.)

Mobile phones. The effect of mobile phones on deep brain stimulation is unknown. Patients should be advised to avoid carrying mobile phones in their shirt pocket or otherwise placing them directly over the deep brain stimulation system components. If interference occurs, try holding the phone to the other ear or turning off the phone.

Household appliances. Household appliances that contain magnets (e.g., refrigerators, freezers, inductive cooktops, stereo speakers, mobile telephones, cordless telephones, standard wired telephones, AM/FM radios, and some power tools) may unintentionally cause the neurostimulation system to turn on or turn off.

Therapeutic magnets. Patients should be advised to not use therapeutic magnets. Therapeutic magnets (e.g., magnets used in pillows, mattress pads, back belts, knee braces, wrist bands, and insoles) may unintentionally cause the neurostimulation system to turn on or off.

Adverse Effects

Deep brain stimulation potentially has the following adverse effects:

Possible surgical complications. Surgical complications include, but are not limited to, the following: 

  • intracranial hemorrhage (which can lead to stroke, paralysis, or death); 
  • subcutaneous hemorrhage or seroma; 
  • hematoma; 
  • cerebrospinal fluid leakage or cerebrospinal fluid abnormality; 
  • brain contusion; 
  • infection or inflammation; 
  • antibiotic anaphylaxis; 
  • skin disorder; 
  • edema; 
  • persistent pain at surgery site or IPG site; 
  • erosion; 
  • brachial plexus injury (nerves to chest, shoulder and arm); 
  • postoperative pain, stress, or discomfort; 
  • neuropathy (nerve degeneration); 
  • hemiparesis (muscular weakness or partial paralysis on one side of body); 
  • ballism or hemiballism (uncontrollable movements on both or only one side of the body); 
  • confusion—transient, nocturnal or ongoing; 
  • cognitive impairment, including delirium, dementia, disorientation, psychosis and speech difficulties; 
  • aphasia; 
  • deep vein thrombosis; 
  • complications from anesthesia; 
  • phlebitis (vein inflammation); 
  • pulmonary embolism (sudden blood vessel obstruction); 
  • aborted procedures (air embolism, unable to find target, surgical complication, etc.); 
  • complications from unusual physiological variations in patients, including foreign body rejection phenomena; 
  • pneumonia, seizure or convulsions; 
  • paralysis (loss of motor function, inability to move); 
  • stroke and death.

Possible deep brain stimulation complications. Deep brain stimulation complications include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Device-related complications
  • Undesirable changes in stimulation related to cellular changes in tissue around the electrodes, changes in the electrode position, loose electrical connections, or lead fracture
  • Loss of therapeutic benefit as a result of change in electrode positions, loose electrical connections, or lead or extension  fracture
  • Initial jolt or tingling during stimulation; jolting or shocking sensations
  • Infection
  • Paresthesia
  • Lead fracture, migration, or dislodgement
  • Misplaced lead
  • Extension malfunction, fracture, or disconnect
  • Deep brain stimulation system failure or battery failure within the device
  • Deep brain stimulation system malfunction or dislodgement
  • Spontaneous turning on or off of the IPG
  • Allergic or rejection response to implanted materials
  • Persistent pain, tightness, or redness at the incision sites or general pain
  • General erosion or local skin erosion over the IPG
  • Persistent pain, tightness, or discomfort around the implanted parts (e.g., along the extension path in the neck)
  • Impaired wound healing (e.g., incision site drainage) or abscess formation
  • Additional neurosurgical procedure to manage one of the above complications or to replace a malfunctioning component
  • Stimulation-related complications or other complications
  • Worsening of motor impairment and Parkinson’s disease symptoms including dyskinesia, rigidity, akinesia or bradykinesia, myoclonus, motor fluctuations, abnormal gait or incoordination, ataxia, tremor, and dysphasia
  • Paresis, asthenia, hemiplegia, or hemiparesis
  • Dystonia
  • Sensory disturbance or impairment including neuropathy, neuralgia, sensory deficit, headache, and hearing and visual disturbance
  • Speech or language impairment including, aphasia, dysphagia, dysarthria, and hypophonia
  • Cognitive impairment including attention deficit, confusion, disorientation, abnormal thinking, hallucinations, amnesia,  delusions, dementia, inability to act or make decisions, psychic akinesia, long term memory impairment, psychiatric disturbances, depression, irritability or fatigue, mania or hypomania, psychosis, aggression, emotional lability, sleep  disturbance, anxiety, apathy, drowsiness, alteration of mentation, postural instability and disequilibrium
  • Restless leg syndrome
  • Supranuclear gaze palsy
  • Hypersexuality or increased libido
  • Decreased therapeutic response
  • Urinary incontinence or retention
  • Diarrhea or constipation
  • Cardiac dysfunction (e.g., hypotension, heart rate changes, or syncope)
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Increased salivation
  • Weight gain or loss
  • Eye disorder including eye apraxia or blepharospasm
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Sweating
  • Fever
  • Hiccups
  • Cough
  • Cramp
  • Worsening existing medical conditions

21 CR 801.109(b)  The label of the device, other than surgical instruments, bears: 

(1) The symbol statement “Rx only” or “℞ only” or the statement “Caution: Federal law restricts this device to sale by or on the order of a ___”, the blank to be filled with the word “physician”, “dentist”, “veterinarian”, or with the descriptive designation of any other practitioner licensed by the law of the State in which the practitioner practices to use or order the use of the device; and 

(2) The method of its application or use.

72784 MAT-2215217 v2.0 | Item approved for U.S. use only.