When is the Right Tme for DBS?

Guest: Dr Ashwini OswalFor many people living with Parkinson’s, Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) is one of the biggest treatment decisions they’ll ever face. But when is the right time to start thinking about it? Should DBS be viewed as a last resort, or could earlier intervention offer greater benefits?In this episode of 2 Parkies in a Pod, we’re joined by Dr Ashwini Oswal, Honorary Consultant Neurologist at the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford. His clinical work and research focus on Parkinson’s disease, Deep Brain Stimulation and the next generation of adaptive DBS technology.Together, we unpack the evidence behind DBS, explain how it works, discuss who is most likely to benefit, and explore whether the 5-2-1 rule is a useful guide for referral. We also talk about the role of medications such as Entacapone, Opicapone & Amandatine, ask whether DBS could one day prove to be neuroprotective, and look ahead to the exciting future of adaptive DBS.https://www.parkinsons.org.uk/information/treatments/deep-brain-stimulationHow to get involved in table Tennishttps://tabletennisengland.co.uk/news/2025/table-tennis-england-and-parkinsons-uk-announce-partnership/The advert that made Dave Cryhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-GEpT3e7DfgPlease rate, review and subscribe2parkiesinapod.com