Healthcare at West Virginia University

Healthcare at West Virginia University

Movement Disorders Program

Prepare for Your Physician Visit

You've heard about Activa® Therapy but you don't know if it's right for you or your loved one. Maybe you've done some research and even talked with people who have Activa® Therapy. Now what?

It's time to talk with a doctor who is experienced with Activa® Therapy. (If you don't have a referral, you can use the Medtronic physician locator for lists of doctors who have experience with Activa® Therapy. The doctors are sorted by location.)

Before the visit, think about what you hope to learn from the physician. Prepare questions. Talk with your doctor candidly and be honest about your medical history.

Anyone considering Activa® Therapy should ask many questions of the physicians involved in the treatment. Here are some of the questions you might ask.

Questions You Should Ask
Am I a candidate for this therapy? Why? Why not?
What are the potential risks and benefits of the therapy?
What are the potential risks and benefits of the surgery?
What are the side effects of the therapy? Can the side effects be controlled?
What activities may I be able to resume as a result of the therapy? How likely is it that I will be able to walk, feed myself, write, work, drive and sleep through the night?
How should I prepare for surgery?
What kinds of tests will be conducted before the surgery?
What can I expect the day of surgery?
How long does the surgery last? Is it painful?
How long will I need to be hospitalized?
Will my condition improve immediately after surgery, or will it take more time?
What precautions will I need to take after surgery?
How often will I need to return for follow-up visits? How many programming sessions to adjust the stimulation can I expect?
Will I still need to take medication after having the Activa® System implanted?
How much does this therapy cost? Is it covered by insurance or Medicare?

Here are some other things to keep in mind when talking with physicians who provide Activa® Therapy:

Article information taken from, and for more information, visit Medtronic. 

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