DBS is typically recommended for individuals who have lived with Parkinson’s disease for four or more years, have seen benefit from dopamine-based therapies, and are now dealing with motor symptoms that are becoming difficult to manage. Strong candidates are generally in good overall health and have not experienced significant cognitive decline or severe balance issues. Determining eligibility involves a comprehensive presurgical assessment by a multidisciplinary team — including a neurologist and a functional neurosurgeon — using movement evaluations, brain imaging, and neuropsychological testing. Because DBS is not appropriate for everyone, our focus is on identifying the treatment path that will most meaningfully improve each patient’s quality of life.