Deep Brain Stimulation Overview
Deep brain stimulation (DBS) involves implanting electrodes within certain areas of the brain to produce electrical impulses that regulate abnormal impulses or affect specific brain cells and chemicals.
The stimulation is controlled by a pacemaker-like device placed under the skin in the upper chest. A wire connects this device to the electrodes in the brain.
DBS is commonly used to treat conditions like Parkinson's disease, essential tremor, dystonia, epilepsy, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. It's also being studied as a potential treatment for Tourette syndrome, Huntington's disease, chorea, chronic pain, and cluster headaches.
Why it's done
DBS is an established treatment for people with movement disorders and psychiatric conditions when their symptoms are not controlled with medications.
Risks
Although generally considered low risk, DBS surgery carries the potential for complications, including misplacement of leads, bleeding in the brain, stroke, infection, breathing problems, nausea, heart problems, and seizure. Side effects associated with DBS may include seizure, infection, headache, confusion, difficulty concentrating, stroke, hardware complications, temporary pain, and swelling at the implantation site.
Stimulation side effects might include numbness or tingling sensations, muscle tightness, speech problems, balance problems, lightheadedness, vision problems, and unwanted mood changes.
How you prepare
DBS is a serious and potentially risky procedure. Your doctors will carefully weigh the risks and potential benefits. You may need medical tests and brain-imaging studies like MRI before surgery to ensure DBS is a safe option for you.
During the surgery
DBS surgery involves two main parts:
- Brain surgery: The surgeon implants electrodes into specific areas of your brain, while you may be awake to fully test the effects of stimulation.
- Chest wall surgery: The surgeon implants the device containing batteries (pulse generator) under the skin in your chest near the collarbone.
Both procedures are performed under general anesthesia, and the pulse generator can be programmed and controlled using a special remote control.
After the procedure
A few weeks after surgery, the pulse generator is activated, and your doctor will customize the stimulation settings to your condition. Stimulation may be constant or turned on/off as needed. Battery life varies, and replacements can be done as outpatient procedures.
Results
DBS won't cure your condition, but it may significantly improve symptoms. In some cases, medications may still be needed alongside DBS treatment.
DBS success varies, so it's essential to discuss the expected improvement with your doctor before surgery.
Clinical trials
Explore Mayo Clinic studies of tests and procedures to help prevent, detect, treat, or manage conditions.