FAQ

The brain is a soft mass of supportive tissues and nerve cells connected to the spinal cord that controls our personality, senses, basic body functions, and ability to move. Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is a relatively new procedure, which was first developed in France in 1987. It can help block abnormal nerve signals and better control movement. It does not damage healthy brain tissue by destroying nerve cells.

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. It also can be used to treat 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.

The DBS system is comprised of three components that work together to deliver 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. It consists of an electrode, extension and neurostimulator. The electrode, or lead, is a thin, insulated wire that is implanted into a specific area of the brain through a small opening in the skull. The extension is an insulated wire that is passed under the skin of the head, neck and shoulder to connect the electrode to the neurostimulator. The neurostimulator, which is also known as a battery pack or internal pulse generator, is about the size of a stopwatch and is usually placed under the skin near the collarbone. It delivers electrical impulses through the extension to the electrode in the brain.

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.

Please contact your physician for more information. You also can call (915) 577-SPHN (7746).