Refer a Patient for DBS

Dr. Matthew Brodsky is a neurologist with expertise in movement disorders.
Dr. Matthew Brodsky is a neurologist with expertise in movement disorders. He has done extensive research on Parkinson’s disease and DBS outcomes. As a DBS team member, he helps ensure that patients are carefully evaluated before DBS surgery.

We will partner with you to improve the quality of life for your patients with movement disorders. This page has information on:

  • How to refer a patient for DBS at OHSU
  • How DBS could help your patient
  • How we partner with providers
  • DBS training and education at OHSU

Learn whether your patient is a good candidate for DBS.

Refer a patient

We process referrals quickly for your patients who might benefit from DBS. If your patient might be a DBS candidate, you or your referral coordinator can reach us through the OHSU Physician Advice and Referral Service.

They will connect you with our patient access specialist. Please have the following information available:

  • Chart and the most relevant notes about the patient's condition from the past six months, including any information from previous neurologists.
  • All available brain imaging (MRI, X-ray, CT, angiogram, PET); we will ask you to send it to us via fax or email, if possible.
  • All available EEG or EMG results.
  • Reports of any abnormal findings on neurological examinations.

After referral, all patients will meet with our multi-disciplinary team to evaluate their candidacy for DBS.

How DBS could help your patients

DBS can benefit many Parkinson's and essential tremor patients.

For Parkinson's patients, clinical studies have shown that DBS:

  • Significantly reduced the amount of medication needed, lessening side effects.
  • Significantly increased the amount of awake time with no symptoms or involuntary movements.
  • Significantly improved patients’ quality-of-life scores six months after the procedure.

For essential tremor patients, studies have shown that DBS:

  • Significantly improved tremor and hand function, with benefits still present six or seven years later.

Learn more about clinical studies of DBS.

We partner with providers near and far

We work to make appointments and care as convenient as possible for providers and patients who live far from Portland. Some appointments can be done through telemedicine, via secure video link, or in the patient's local neurologist's office.

How we partner with providers

We will work with you and your patient to determine the best possible care plan. We will support your patient throughout the DBS process and all follow-up care.

  • Communication: We will work with you and your patient to schedule the initial consultation. After this visit, we will contact you to discuss the results and possible next steps for treatment.
  • Telemedicine: We can offer some patient care through secure video link. OHSU's Telemedicine Network provides easy access to neurologists and neurosurgeons.
  • EpicCare Link: OHSU helps you stay informed about your patient's care through EpicCare Link. Get secure access to lab results, imaging reports and other information. It also allows secure emailing with OHSU staff.
  • Services for out-of-area patients: The Rood Family Pavilion may be available for patients and families who will have a multiday stay in Portland.
  • Provider relations: OHSU's Provider Relations team helps you stay connected with all clinical programs and staff at OHSU.
  • Connect with us: We would be happy to talk with you. Call 503-494-4567 to seek provider-to-provider advice. Learn more about our team.

Education and training

We offer education and training on DBS for medical providers. The training helps providers better understand DBS and how it helps Parkinson's disease and essential tremor patients.

We can customize training to the needs of your practice. Topics include:

  • An overview of DBS, including its history, patients it can or can’t help, and risks and benefits.
  • Evaluation criteria for Parkinson's and essential tremor patients. Providers are trained to identify and evaluate patients in their practice as possible candidates for DBS.
  • Programming the implanted pulse generator.
  • Managing patients after DBS surgery.
  • DBS surgery training with Dr. Kim Burchiel.

Learn more

Learn more about the DBS procedure and how it can help Parkinson's and essential tremor patients:

Refer a patient

Is your patient a candidate for DBS?