Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is a therapy in which electrical signals are passed through electrodes that are placed into specific structures in the brain. DBS is often thought of as a pacemaker for the brain, as these signals are programmed to disrupt abnormal rhythms and alleviate the symptoms of certain neurological conditions. It’s FDA-approved to treat Parkinson’s disease, essential tremor, dystonia, epilepsy and treatment-refractory obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), but clinicians and researchers also believe that DBS holds promise for a number of other neurological and psychiatric conditions.
How Deep Brain Stimulation Is Changing Lives
DBS can have a remarkable impact on a patient’s life. The technique itself involves threading a thin wire containing an electrode (the “lead”) into a very specific area of the brain. This electrode is connected to a small neurostimulator device implanted beneath the skin. This device can send electrical pulses to disrupt neurological rhythms that are observed in the disease state. The procedure has a low risk of severe adverse effects.
Here are some conditions that DBS is being used or explored to treat:
- Parkinson’s Disease. DBS can alleviate the motor symptoms associated with PD and can often reduce medication – and therefore the side effects of those medications.
- Essential Tremor. DBS can alleviate tremor in the extremities and can sometimes be effective for midline tremor. Patients who have not been able to write or use utensils for many years can often regain these activities of daily living.
- Dystonia. DBS can alleviate the muscle contractions that are experienced in patients with dystonia.
- Other Conditions. Studies are ongoing for treatment resistant depression as well as Alzheimer’s disease. Although not FDA approved, DBS has been used for Tourette syndrome, neuropathic pain, obesity, disorders of consciousness and cluster headaches
DBS technology continues to evolve, and research shows that stimulation may contribute to neuroplasticity and positive changes in the brain, leading to reduced symptoms and higher quality of life for many patients with neurological conditions.
Nature Reviews: Neurology states, “Breakthroughs in electrode and battery designs, stimulation paradigms, closed-loop and on-demand stimulation, and sensing technologies are expected to enhance the efficacy and tolerability of DBS.”
Get a Trusted Partner for DBS
As DBS becomes more utilized for an increasing number of conditions, it’s important for healthcare organizations to find a trusted partner. SpecialtyCare is the largest DBS neurophysiology provider in the US, and we implant over 1800 DBS leads a year. One in every 6 DBS leads in the U.S. is guided into place by our team. Our extensive experience and specialized training in DBS mapping protocols ensure that patients have the best outcomes possible. If you’re ready to find out how we can provide DBS services at your hospital, get in touch with us today. We would love to speak with you!
