What is deep brain stimulation (dbs)?

Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS)
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Why is deep brain stimulation (DBS) surgery done?

DBS may be used to relieve symptoms of Parkinson's disease, especially tremor, when they can't be controlled with medicine. It's the surgical treatment of choice for Parkinson's disease. That's because it works better, is safer, and is less harmful to brain tissue than other surgical methods.

DBS of the thalamus is done to treat both disabling tremor caused by Parkinson's disease and essential tremor.

Procedures that stimulate parts of the brain called the subthalamic nucleus and the globus pallidus are done to help control a wider range of symptoms (along with tremor). They are used more often than stimulation of the thalamus. Symptoms that are most often helped (besides tremor) include problems with changes between "on" and "off" time and dyskinesia. "On" time is when medicine taken for Parkinson's is helping your symptoms. Symptoms that are less likely to get better include problems with walking, balance, and speech. In some cases, DBS can make these problems worse.

DBS may also be used to treat severe tremor related to multiple sclerosis (MS). It usually is a last resort after all other options have been tried without success to treat MS tremor. Only people with severe tremor are candidates.

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) surgery: When to call

Call 911 anytime you think you may need emergency care. For example, call if:

  • You have a seizure.
  • You passed out (lost consciousness).
  • You are confused or you don't know where you are.
  • You are very sleepy or hard to wake up.
  • You have chest pain, are short of breath, or cough up blood.

Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:

  • You have pain that doesn't get better after you take pain medicine.
  • You have symptoms of infection, such as:
    • Increased pain, swelling, warmth, or redness.
    • Red streaks leading from the area.
    • Pus draining from the area.
    • A fever.
  • You are bleeding a lot from the incision.
  • You are sick to your stomach or can't drink fluids.
  • You have signs of a blood clot in your leg (called a deep vein thrombosis), such as:
    • Pain in your calf, back of the knee, thigh, or groin.
    • Redness or swelling in your leg.

Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if you have problems.

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