Movement Disorder Surgeries- Deep Brain Stimulation
What is DBS?
- DBS is a surgical intervention used to treat patients with movement disorders such as essential tremor, Parkinson’s disease and dystonia. It can also be used to control symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder and epilepsy.
- Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is an elective surgical procedure in which electrodes are implanted into certain brain areas.
- These electrodes, or leads, generate electrical impulses that control abnormal brain activity.
- The electrical impulses can also adjust for the chemical imbalances within the brain that cause various symptoms patients may suffer.
- Stimulation of brain areas is controlled by a programmable generator that is placed under the skin in the upper chest.
- Before being considered for surgical interventions such as DBS, doctors may consider treatment using Medications or Physical Therapy.
- This type of surgeries can be performed on one or both sides of the brain, depending on symptoms.
- The effects are reversible and can be customized individually for each patient’s clinical status.
- Stimulation settings can be modified to diminish potential side effects and improve effectiveness over time.
- The implanted device can provide continuous symptom control 24 hours a day.
- DBS is safe and effective but risks and potential side effects do exist, but they are generally mild and reversible.
- Risks may include brain hemorrhage in 1% of the cases, Infection or Device malfunction.