Over the past five years, the Minneapolis VA Medical Center has expanded its care for Veterans with Parkinson’s Disease and other movement disorders with the Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Disorders Program, and the implementation of a successful Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) program.
The Minneapolis VA performed its first DBS surgery in November 2021. Since this initial case, 52 new deep brain stimulators have been surgically implanted in Veterans with Parkinson’s Disease, essential tremor and dystonia. DBS surgery consists of placing an electrode into a specific area of the brain depending on the patient’s condition. The electrodes help correct faulty brain signals that cause tremors, especially in your hands and legs.
During surgery the neurosurgical team “maps” the area of the brain using a combination of brain recordings and the patient’s active movements. During mapping the patient is awake and asked to perform a series of coordination and fine motor tasks. This ensures the electrode location is where the patient will get the most benefit. After the surgery, the Veteran works closely with a DBS neurologist or a nurse practitioner to program the device to their best level of function. Neurology continues to manage the Veteran’s DBS device and medications for their specific condition lifelong.
Veterans can be referred for consideration for DBS as a treatment for specific movement disorders. Previously, Veterans from Minneapolis had to travel to the San Francisco VA or access care in the community to be considered for surgery. Now, Veterans who are appropriate for surgery can have the surgery and be managed either in Minneapolis or closer to home.
The Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Disorders (PDMD) Program uniquely provides neurorehabilitation-focused care via a lifelong, shared care model between neurology, physical medicine, rehabilitation and neurosurgery. Rehabilitation providers refer to specialized therapies (physical, occupational, and speech therapy) and other services and programs to maximize the Veteran’s quality of life through a cohesive team approach.
The Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Disorders (PDMD) Program uniquely provides neurorehabilitation-focused care via a lifelong, shared care model between neurology, and physical medicine, and rehabilitation and neurosurgery. Rehabilitation providers refer to specialized therapies (physical, occupational, and speech therapy) and other services and programs to maximize the Veteran’s quality of life through a cohesive team approach.
“The overall goal of our team approach here in Minneapolis is to provide compassionate care to Veterans with Parkinson’s Disease (PD) and their care partners. To do that, we have developed and implemented a wide range of programming that is available to Veterans throughout their journey with PD. We strive to empower, motivate, and engage our Veterans so that they feel supported, hopeful, and well-cared for despite having a progressive disease. We are here with them every step of the way and truly care about their overall health and well-being and ensuring they live their best lives,” said Hillari Olson, a physical therapist.
Some of the available rehabilitation services for Veterans include one-on-one therapies including physical therapy to address walking, strength, balance; occupational therapy for self-cares, daily routine management, home safety evaluations and equipment needs assessments, and speech therapy for swallowing, speech and thinking/memory. Veterans can also participate in Parkinson’s specific virtual groups, including exercise and loud crowd/voice groups.
To learn more about the Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Disorders Program at the Minneapolis VA, request a referral to neurology through your primary care provider. If already established with neurology but not physical medicine and rehabilitation, request a referral from your neurologist.
Join us at the upcoming Resource Fair for Veterans with Parkinson’s Disease on Wednesday, April 16, from 1230-1530 in the 1st floor Auditorium at the Minneapolis VA to learn more about DBS, as well as local and community resources available to Veterans with Parkinson’s Disease.
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