Services

Brain Surgery

The Regional Neuroscience Institute is home to many of the region’s “firsts” related to neurosurgical and brain tumor care.

We are also the region’s leading Gamma Knife treatment center, a minimally invasive technology used to treat brain tumors. We also offer a variety of other minimally invasive procedures including deep brain stimulation (DBS).

People who experience the effects of disabling neurological symptoms, such as tremors or stiffness caused by Parkinson’s disease, may be candidates for deep brain stimulation (DBS) to help the brain function more effectively. This relatively new procedure, which was first developed in France in 1987, can help block abnormal nerve signals and better control movement. It does not damage healthy brain tissue by destroying nerve cells.

The DBS system delivers steady pulses of electricity to targeted areas of the brain that are causing neurological dysfunctions. This system can be compared to a pacemaker that helps maintain a proper heart rhythm.

Before the procedure to implant the DBS system, magnetic resonance imaging or computed tomography is used to identify precise areas in the brain where abnormal nerve signals start. A local anesthetic is given when the opening is made in the skull. The patient remains awake while electrodes are threaded through the brain in order to monitor brain function. The patient does not feel pain during the procedure because the brain does not generate pain signals.

After the system is in place, a magnet is used with the neurostimulator to make adjustments. This fine-tuning process may take weeks or even months since the device can be programmed more than 60,000 different ways. However, it is easily adjustable and can be removed if the patient condition changes. The battery in the neurostimulator usually last about three to five years.

DBS is used to treat Parkinson’s disease, dystonia (a movement disorder that causes involuntary muscle contractions and spasms), multiple sclerosis (a disease of the central nervous system), and essential tremor (involuntary shaking movement). It is important to remember that DBS is not a cure for Parkinson’s disease, but it can help ease symptoms and significantly reduce medications. The procedure also has shown promise in treating other movement disorders such as Tourette syndrome, and certain severe psychiatric disorders, including extreme depression and obsessive-compulsive disorder.

DBS is generally safe and effective for properly selected patients. Nevertheless, there are some risks and the possibility of certain side effects associated with the procedure.