Methods for programming a deep brain stimulation system and a clinician programmer device

A clinician programmer device for controlling a deep brain stimulation (DBS) system, the clinician programmer device comprising:

• a display;
• user input circuitry for receiving input from a user of the device;
• memory for storing executable instructions and data;
• a processor for controlling operations of the clinician programmer according to executable instructions;
• and
• wireless communication circuitry for conducting wireless communications with an implantable pulse generator after implantation within a patient;
• wherein (1) the memory stores software code for conducting a screening review of electrodes of an implantable stimulation lead coupled to the implantable pulse generator, (2) the electrodes of the implantable stimulation lead include at least one set of segmented electrodes, and (3) the software code comprises:
• (a) code for providing one or more interface screens for guiding the user of the device through testing of electrode configurations of the implantable stimulation lead;
• (b) code for controlling delivery of deep brain stimulation to the patient by communication with the implantable pulse generator for each tested electrode configuration, wherein the code for controlling modifies a DBS pulse amplitude for each tested electrode configuration;
• and
• (c) code for receiving identification of a therapeutic window for one or more DBS parameters for each tested electrode configuration, wherein the therapeutic window is defined by one or more DBS parameters used for test stimulation for a DBS benefit and a DBS side effect experienced by the patient during testing, wherein the code for controlling automatically reduces a DBS pulse amplitude in response to the user of the device providing input to the code for receiving to identify a side effect experienced by the patient