Deep Brain Stimulation

Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) is a neurosurgical procedure involving the implantation of a medical device called a neurostimulator (sometimes referred to as a 'brain pacemaker'), which sends electrical impulses, through implanted electrodes, to specific targets in the brain (brain nuclei) for the treatment of movement and neuropsychiatric disorders. DBS in select brain regions has provided therapeutic benefits for otherwise-treatment-resistant disorders such as Parkinson's disease, essential tremor, dystonia, chronic pain, major depression and obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD).

History

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved DBS as a treatment for essential tremor in 1997, for Parkinson's disease in 2002, and dystonia in 2003. DBS is also used in research studies to treat chronic pain, PTSD, and has been used to treat various affective disorders, including major depression.

Procedure

DBS directly changes brain activity in a controlled manner, its effects are reversible (unlike those of lesioning techniques), and it is one of only a few neurosurgical methods that allow blinded studies.

Risks and Complications

The most common complications include infection and problems with the DBS system hardware. Although rare, potentially severe complications include stroke and hemorrhage.

See Also

• Parkinson's disease
• Essential tremor
• Dystonia
• Chronic pain
• Major depression
• Obsessive–compulsive disorder

References

Deep Brain Stimulation Resources
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