Deep Brain Stimulation

Overview & Indications

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DBS Procedure
DBS Procedure

Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) is a surgical treatment which can help manage some movement disorder symptoms. DBS is typically used to treat people with advanced Parkinson's disease (PD), dystonia, and essential tremor (ET) whose symptoms are no longer controlled by medication. DBS is a well-established, safe, and effective treatment that helps improve day-to-day experiences and quality of life for these patients.

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DBS Procedure

The DBS procedure includes a modest medical device which sends signals to the brain. The signals may help control the motor functions that are affected by Parkinson’s disease such as tremor, slowness and rigidity as well as symptoms of dystonia and essential tremor. The physician will place one or two insulated wires called leads in the brain. The leads are then connected to the stimulator (similar to a pacemaker), which is typically placed under the skin in the chest. The device produces mild electrical impulses that stimulate a specific region of the brain. This may help regulate signaling in the brain, resulting in improvement of movement disorder symptoms. Although DBS is not a cure, it may help improve day-to-day experiences.
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