Deep Brain Stimulation

Microelectrodes DBS Brain Electrical What is DEEP BRAIN STIMULATION? impulses Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is a surgical treatment which uses a microelectrode implanted in a specific area or areas of the brain to control symptoms of movement disorders including Parkinson's disease, essential tremor, and dystonia. The microelectrode implanted in the brain is connected via a wire to an impulse generator (IPG) that is placed under the skin of the chest. The microelectrode is then programmed to deliver a small electrical current to the brain area involved in causing the disabling symptoms. Impulse generator device Symptoms Lessened by DBS Tremor • Stiffness Stooped or twisted postures • Slowness of movement How Does DBS Work? DBS is not a cure, but it changes the communication system in the brain and can help lessen tremor and painful postures and improve movement. To implant the electrode, a neurosurgeon uses advanced imaging techniques to visualize the exact spot in the brain where the electrical impulses are needed to normalize motor (movement) function. Then, the surgeon threads a small wire with an electrode at the end through a small opening made in the patient's skull until the electrode's tip reaches the target spot. That wire and electrode are then connected to a small wristwatch-sized neurostimulator device placed just under the patient's skin near the collarbone in much the same way a heart pacemaker is implanted in the chest of patients with certain types of heart disease. Impulse generator DBS programmer Medtr The electrodes are programmed to deliver a small electrical current to the area of the brain causing the movement disorder. This helps regulate the electrical activities, which can help manage the person's movement or neurological symptoms. Some people experience results immediately; in others, it may take weeks or months to experience the full benefit of DBS surgery including improved control of movement and better quality of life. After the optimal neuromodulation programming is set, patients are able to reduce their medications, lessening the unpleasant side effects that can come with high doses of medical therapy. What Does DBS Treat? The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved DBS for the treatment of Parkinson's disease, essential tremor, dystonia, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). DBS can treat people with complex cases who have not responded to traditional therapies or medication. Since DBS does not treat all movement problems, a neurologist working with a neurosurgeon and other health professionals will help a person decide when and if he or she is a candidate. © 2015 The Mount Sinai Hospital, New York You are free to copy, distribute and transmit this content, but you must attribute the work to The Mount Sinai Hospital, New York. Mount Sinai Visit: www.mountsinai.org/dbs for more information.