DBS Therapy Specialist

What is deep brain stimulation?

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is a treatment that relieves symptoms of neurological disorders with surgically implanted electrodes in the brain. The electrodes deliver pulses of electrical stimulation that regulates abnormal activity in the brain.

An implantable pulse generator (IPG) in your chest regulates the electrical impulses. The IPG is about the size of a stopwatch and connects to the electrodes in your brain through wires beneath your skin.

What conditions can deep brain stimulation treat?

DBS is an approved treatment for many neurological conditions and is being studied as a potential therapy for many others, including multiple sclerosis.

The team at The Center for Neurology and Neurophysiology most often recommend DBS as a treatment for movement disorders, such as:

• Essential tremor
• Parkinson’s disease
• Dystonia

DBS is also FDA-approved to control seizures in people with epilepsy. If you have epilepsy that doesn’t improve with medication treatment, the team at The Center for Neurology and Neurophysiology may recommend DBS therapy.

What should I expect from deep brain stimulation?

DBS involves a series of evaluations and consultations with the team at The Center for Neurology and Neurophysiology before you’re ready for surgery. They thoroughly assess your particular condition and review your medical history to make sure DBS therapy is right for you.

Before your procedure, you need to get an MRI. Your surgeon uses information from the MRI to map out areas of your brain for electrode placement.

During DBS surgery, your head stays in a frame to hold it still throughout the procedure. You may be awake with local anesthesia to numb your scalp or asleep under general anesthesia. Your brain doesn’t need anesthesia because it can’t feel pain.

Your surgeon places the electrodes in specific areas of your brain depending on your particular condition. Then, they implant the IPG in your chest.

A few weeks after DBS surgery, you meet with your neurologist at The Center for Neurology and Neurophysiology to program the device. You may need to return for several appointments to make adjustments to the neurostimulator before you find the optimal settings.

Although DBS doesn’t cure movement disorders, it may significantly improve your quality of life by reducing tremors, stiffness, and slowness. You may also be able to reduce the amount of medication you take.

To learn more about DBS therapy, call The Center for Neurology and Neurophysiology or book an appointment online today.