The disclosure is directed to techniques for providing a
patient-individualized efficacy rating. Different stimulation parameters
impact efficacy. For example, efficacy may be a function of parameters
such as electrode combination, stimulation amplitude, pulse width, and
pulse rate. Efficacy may vary from patient-to-patient. For example,
efficacy may vary according to age, gender, physiology, disease state,
activity level, or activity profile. Comparable stimulation programs may
provide different efficacy levels for different patients, according to
patient characteristics or desires. Patients may rank efficacy parameters
differently. The efficacy parameters may include desirable therapeutic
effects and undesirable side effects. For one patient, optimization of a
particular efficacy parameter may be the paramount concern. Other
patients may be willing to compromise the outcome of the same parameter
in favor of better outcomes with other efficacy parameters. A
patient-individualized efficacy rating permits a patient and clinician to
customize efficacy evaluation according to the patient's condition or
needs.