Turning off the Abbott Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) device prior to sleep involves deactivating the implanted neurostimulator that delivers electrical impulses to targeted areas in the brain. This action temporarily suspends the therapeutic modulation of neural circuits, typically used to manage movement disorders or psychiatric conditions. For example, an individual with Parkinson’s disease may routinely disable their DBS system at bedtime as instructed by their neurologist.
The practice offers several potential benefits, including conserving device battery life and preventing potential side effects that might occur during sleep, such as sleep disturbances or unusual movements. Historically, continuous stimulation was the norm; however, advancements in understanding individual patient needs and device programmability have led to more personalized and adaptive stimulation protocols that may include periods of deactivation. This evolution allows for optimizing therapeutic outcomes and minimizing unnecessary energy consumption.
