Fast-Track Programming and Rehabilitation Model: A Novel Approach to Postoperative Deep Brain Stimulation Patient Care

Cohen DB, Oh MY, Baser SM, Angle C, Whiting A, Birk C, Whiting DM. Fast-track programming and rehabilitation model: a novel approach to postoperative deep brain stimulation patient care.ObjectiveTo propose a new model of integrated, multidisciplinary postoperative care of the patients with deep brain stimulation (DBS).DesignObservational cohort study with follow-up at 3 months and 1 year.SettingAcademic medical center movement disorder clinic.ParticipantsSeventy-three consecutive patients with medically refractory Parkinson’s disease underwent bilateral DBS. Patients were then transferred directly to an inpatient rehabilitation facility.InterventionDBS and inpatient programming and rehabilitation. Simultaneous programming and rehabilitation was carried out by a multidisciplinary team.Main Outcome MeasuresThe FIM instrument, Unified Parkinson Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS), and levodopa dosage.ResultsThe average rehabilitation stay was 17.3 days, with a mean of 6.2 stimulator adjustments during that time. FIM scores improved from 62.1 (admission) to 98.5 (discharge), an average improvement of 36.4 (58.6%). Average UPDRS scores improved from 52.5 (preoperative off) and 30.1 (preoperative on) to 20.4 (3mo postoperative on-medication, on-stimulation), a 32.2% improvement from the preoperative on score. Levodopa dosages decreased by an average of 48.3% (all P<.001).ConclusionsWe describe our fast-track protocol, which allows for rapid DBS programming and tapering of Parkinson’s medications. It also provides for treatment of concomitant medical and psychologic problems and optimized physical performance.