Journal of Neonatal Studies

Deep Brain Stimulation

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) may be a surgery to implant a tool that sends electrical signals to brain areas liable for body movement. Electrodes are placed deep within the brain and are connected to a stimulator device. Similar to a heart pacemaker, a neurostimulator uses electric pulses to manage brain activity. DBS can help reduce the symptoms of tremor, slowness, stiffness, and walking problems caused by paralysis agitans , dystonia, or tremor . Successful DBS allows people to potentially reduce their medications and improve their quality of life. It is the most commonly performed surgical treatment for Parkinson's. A surgeon places thin metal wires within the brain; these wires send electrical pulses to the brain to assist control some motor symptoms. While transformative for some, Deep brain stimulation is not for everyone. This treatment is approved for people who have had Parkinson's disease for at least four years and who get a benefit from medication but have motor complications, such as significant "off" time (periods when symptoms return because medication isn't working well) and/or dyskinesia (uncontrolled, involuntary movements). Deep brain stimulation won't cure your disease, but it's going to help lessen your symptoms. If deep brain stimulation works, your symptoms will improve significantly, but they typically don't get away completely. In some cases, medications may still be needed for certain conditions. Deep brain stimulation isn't successful for everyone. There is variety of variables involved within the success of deep brain stimulation. It's important to speak together with your doctor before surgery about what sort of improvement you'll expect for your condition.

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