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Deep brain stimulation offers a lot of possibilities. It is a surgical procedure involving the implantation of a brain pacemaker. This is a medical device that is capable of sending electrical impulses to specified regions of the brain.

About Deep Brain Stimulation:

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) has shown remarkable therapeutic benefits when administered to certain regions of the brain; especially in treatment resistant movement and affective disorders. Some of these disorders that can benefit from deep brain stimulation are: Parkinson’s Disease, chronic pain, dystonia, tremor, etc. Effects of deep brain stimulation directly changes brain activity in a controlled manner and effects are reversible.

There are three aspects that make up the complete deep brain stimulation procedure: implanted pulse generator (IPG), the lead and the extension. The IPG is the neurostimulator (battery powered). It is enclosed in a titanium housing and sends electrical pulses to the brain that interfere with neural activity in the target location. The “lead” is an insulated, coil wire with platinum electrodes (4). It is placed in one of three regions of the brain. The lead is connected to the IPG. The IPG and the lead are connected by the extension. The extension is an insulated wire that runs from the head along the neck and behind the ear. The IPG is placed subcutaneously below the clavicle or the abdomen. A neurologist or other medical professional can calibrate the IPG. Correct calibration ensures that symptom suppression as a result of treatment is optimized and that any potential side effects are controlled.

Deep brain stimulation leads are placed according to the type of symptoms that are being treated. For instance for non-Parkinsonian essential tremor the lead would be placed in the ventrointermedial nucleus of the thalamus. In cases related to Dystonia or Parkinson’s disease (symptoms include rigidity, tremor and bradykinesia/akinesia) the lead could be placed in the globus pallidus or the subthalamic nucleus.

The three aspects of deep brain stimulation work together. They are surgically implanted into the patient’s body. The surgical implant is done under local anesthesia. A hole is created (14 mm in diameter) by drilling into the patient’s skull. This is where the electrode is inserted (patient feedback will ensure optimal placement). The IPG and lead is done under general anesthesia.

Recovering from DBS:

Deep brain stimulation has been approved by the FDA to treat essential tremor, Parkinson’s Disease and dystonia. It is also frequently used to treat both chronic pain and a variety of affective disorders. Deep brain stimulation carries the potential for serious complications and/or side effects that should be discussed thoroughly with a medical professional prior to beginning treatment.

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