Natasha Gomez Cueto, NPC, NP

DBS surgery may be completed in one operating session, but it is more commonly performed in two parts. In the first stage of the procedure, the surgeon will map targets in the brain using CT or MRI imaging to determine where to place the electrodes. Then, by drilling holes into the skull, the surgeon will place the electrodes into specific areas in the brain. The holes will be closed, and patients will require 1-2 days to recover in the hospital. After about two weeks, patients will undergo another surgery to have the deep brain stimulator implanted. The stimulator is usually placed under the skin around the collarbone, chest, or abdomen, and it will be connected to the DBS electrodes through a subcutaneous wire. No component of the DBS system will be visible from outside. Following stimulator implantation, patients may need to recover in the hospital for 1-2 days.

Within 2-4 weeks of the operation, doctors will program the stimulator using a wireless device. Patients will work with their doctor to determine the most effective settings for the stimulator during follow-up visits. Patients will be given a handheld device so that they can turn the stimulator on or off and adjust its settings themselves. The stimulator may have a rechargeable battery, in which case patients will be given a charging unit. Stimulator batteries generally need to be replaced in 3-5 years.

When excessive sweating is the main complaint and is not related to any other condition, it is called primary hyperhidrosis. There is no known cause, but it does tend to run in families. Secondary hyperhidrosis is sweating that is caused by another medical condition, such as anxiety, cancer, hyperthyroidism, or menopause. Sometimes treating the underlying condition can improve this type of sweating.

There are tests doctors can use to diagnose hyperhidrosis. One involves simply soaking up the perspiration with paper and then weighing the paper to measure how much extra sweat is being produced. Another test, called the starch-iodine test, involves covering the body with powder. This powder turns blue in any areas where sweat is produced.

Treatment depends on the severity of the hyperhidrosis and the areas affected. Some options are:

• Prescription antiperspirants, which contain aluminum chloride and work by plugging the sweat ducts. This signals the sweat glands to decrease sweat production. They work for moderate cases of hyperhidrosis and are relatively affordable.
• Lontophoresis, a procedure that uses small amounts of electricity and a tray of tap water to decrease production of sweat glands in the hands or feet.
• Botox, which can be injected into the nerves that control sweat glands in the underarms.
• Sympathectomy, a surgery for severe cases that can be performed to cut the nerves that stimulate sweat production. Sympathectomy is most effective for hyperhidrosis of the hands. It may cause new symptoms of sweating elsewhere on the body.
• Surgery to remove sweat glands, most often in the underarms.

Hyperhidrosis is a serious medical condition that causes both physical and emotional distress. Treatments are available, and support groups exist to help patients cope.

After surgery, it is common to stay in the hospital for several days. Recovery can be slow, and patients will likely need help doing regular activities for the first few weeks. Lifting objects and bending or twisting, such as when getting out of bed or into a car, will be extremely difficult at first. Physical therapy can help patients heal and move. Most daily activities can be resumed after six weeks, and most patients return to full activity, including playing certain sports, within a year.

Although the recovery from spinal osteotomy can be significant, it can be quite effective at reducing pain. Correcting a spinal deformity can also improve appearance and self-esteem, increase balance, and improve stability when moving.