Fixed-Life or Rechargeable Batteries for Deep Brain Stimulation: Preference and Satisfaction Among Patients With Hyperkinetic Movement Disorders

Background: Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is an established treatment for hyperkinetic movement disorders. Patients undergoing DBS can choose between the use of a rechargeable or non-rechargeable battery for implanted pulse generators (IPG). Objectives: In this study, we aimed to evaluate patient preferences and satisfaction with rechargeable and non-rechargeable batteries for IPGs after undergoing DBS. Methods: Overall, 100 patients with hyperkinetic movement disorders (dystonia: 79, Tourette syndrome: 21) who had undergone DBS took a self-designed questionnaire to assess their satisfaction and experience with the type of battery they had chosen and the factors influencing their choice. Results: Of the participants, 87% were satisfied with the stimulating effects of the treatment as well as the implanted device; 76% had chosen rechargeable devices (r-IPGs), 71.4% of whom recharged the battery themselves. Economic factors were the main reason for choosing both r-IPG and non-rechargeable IPG (nr-IPG). The questionnaire revealed that 66% of the patients checked their r-IPG battery every week. The mean interval for battery recharge was 4.3 days. Conclusions: The majority of the patients were satisfied with their in-service-IPG, regardless of whether it was a r-IPG or nr-IPG. Affordability was the main factor influencing the choice of IPG. The majority of the patients were confident in recharging the battery of their r-IPG themselves; only 11% of patients experienced difficulties. Understanding the recharge process remains difficult for some patients and increasing the number of training sessions for the device may be helpful.

Automated summary

The study evaluated patient preferences and satisfaction with rechargeable and non-rechargeable batteries for IPGs after DBS treatment. Most patients were satisfied with the treatment and implanted device, with economic factors influencing their choice of battery. Confidence in recharging the battery was high among patients with r-IPGs, but more training sessions may be needed to improve understanding of the process.