Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) is a treatment method used to alleviate symptoms of movement disorders associated with neurological conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, essential tremor, dystonia, Tourette’s syndrome, and other related conditions.
What is Deep Brain Stimulation?
Deep Brain Stimulation involves the surgical implantation of a device, commonly referred to as a brain pacemaker. This device is used to send electrical signals to the brain regions responsible for body movement. Electrodes are implanted deep into the brain and connected to a stimulator device. Similar to a cardiac pacemaker, a neurostimulator uses electrical pulses to regulate brain activity. Deep Brain Stimulation can help reduce symptoms such as tremors, slowness, stiffness, and walking difficulties caused by Parkinson’s disease, dystonia, epilepsy, and essential tremor. Successful Deep Brain Stimulation treatment allows individuals to potentially reduce their medication usage and improve their quality of life.
During Deep Brain Stimulation treatment, electrodes are placed in specific areas of the brain depending on the symptoms. The electrodes are implanted on both sides of the brain through small openings in the skull. The electrodes are then connected to a battery-operated stimulator located under the skin of the chest, with long wires running down the neck. When activated, the stimulator delivers electrical pulses to block faulty nerve signals that cause tremors, stiffness, and other symptoms.
Which Conditions are Treated with Deep Brain Stimulation?
Deep Brain Stimulation is used to treat the following conditions:
- Parkinson’s disease
- Dystonia
- Essential tremor
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Epilepsy
Who is a Candidate for Deep Brain Stimulation Surgery?
Deep Brain Stimulation can be applied to anyone who will benefit significantly from the treatment and can undergo surgery with minimal risk. It is a surgical option known to improve the quality of life for individuals with movement disorders. Therefore, when a person’s quality of life is significantly impacted by the disease or the side effects of medication, it may be time to consider Deep Brain Stimulation treatment.
Before being considered as a candidate for Deep Brain Stimulation surgery, patients undergo a comprehensive evaluation process. Ideally, a multidisciplinary team of experts, including a neurologist, neurosurgeon, neuropsychologist, and psychiatrist, will evaluate the patient.
If symptoms are well managed with medications, Deep Brain Stimulation treatment may not be considered. Candidates for Deep Brain Stimulation treatment typically meet the following criteria:
- Inadequate symptom control despite taking an appropriate dose of medication
- Symptoms significantly impair the patient’s quality of life
- Intolerable side effects from current medications
Preparation Before Surgery
The patient undergoes evaluation with a multidisciplinary team, including a neurologist, neurosurgeon, and neuropsychologist.
Preoperative tests may be requested, including:
- Blood and urine tests: These help identify toxins and abnormalities.
- MRI and/or CT scans: Imaging can help doctors target the correct region of the brain for symptom alleviation.
Conclusion
Deep Brain Stimulation surgery does not cure your condition, but it can help alleviate your symptoms. If Deep Brain Stimulation treatment is effective, your symptoms can improve significantly, although they may not completely disappear.
Deep Brain Stimulation treatment is not successful for everyone. There are various factors that play a role in the success of Deep Brain Stimulation treatment. It is important to discuss with your doctor before the surgery about what kind of improvement you can expect for your specific condition.
Since the 1990s, Deep Brain Stimulation has been an approved method for treating movement disorders. Numerous studies have proven the superiority of this surgery over medical treatments alone. Deep Brain Stimulation surgery is relatively safe, and advancements in device technology have improved patient outcomes.
