Presentation
Are Deep Brain Simulators Usable? A Pilot Observational Study with Parkinson's Disease and Essential Tremor Patients
SessionPoster Session 2
DescriptionPeople with Essential Tremor (ET) and Parkinson’s Disease (PD) are facing increasing barriers when interacting with technology due to their tremor. Deep Brain Simulators (DBS) are commonly used with ET and PD patients to help reduce tremors and improve slowness and stiffness which, in turn, improves quality of life. Past work has shown that patients are afraid to use the controller, face barriers with physical interaction, and have difficulties using these devices despite years of practice (Glenn et al., 2024; Kaiser et al., 2012). Overall, all six participants noted that at least one part of the DBS was frustrating, unusable, confusing, or scary. This is a critical issue as these devices are meant to improve patient quality of life, not add additional burden. Devices that focus on remote style controllers with simple modulation processes might help eliminate some of the fear and frustration around these devices.
Event Type
Poster
TimeWednesday, October 15th5:30pm - 6:30pm CDT
LocationRiverside East