DID YOU KNOW? DEEP BRAIN STIMULATION

Overview: Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) is a surgical treatment used to manage motor symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease (PD), such as tremors, stiffness, and slowed movement. It involves implanting a small device that delivers electrical impulses to specific areas of the brain, helping to regulate abnormal signals caused by PD.

How Does It Work? DBS is believed to regulate abnormal electrical signaling patterns in the brain. These abnormal or irregular communications lead to motor symptoms. DBS interrupts this irregular signaling so neurons and cells can communicate more smoothly.

Electrodes are implanted into targeted areas of the brain (most commonly the subthalamic nucleus or globus pallidus). A pulse generator (similar to a pacemaker) is implanted under the skin in the chest and connected to the electrodes via thin wires. Controlled stimulation helps reduce PD symptoms by modifying brain activity, often reducing the need for high doses of medication.  

Who is a Candidate for DBS? DBS can be life-changing, but it’s not for everyone. The ideal candidates typically have been diagnosed with PD for at least four years, experience significant motor symptoms that are not well controlled with medication, respond positively to levodopa but experience complications like "off" periods or dyskinesias, and do not have severe cognitive impairment or untreated psychiatric conditions. DBS typically works best to alleviate motor symptoms like stiffness, slowness, and tremor, but is less effective for imbalance, freezing, and non-motor symptoms and may have an adverse effect on people with dementia and memory problems. A neurological and psychological evaluation is required to determine eligibility.

What to Expect During the Process: Your medical team, including a movement disorder specialist and a brain surgeon, will conduct extensive tests to assess your viability for DBS. Here’s what to expect. 

• Pre-surgical evaluations: Imaging, cognitive testing, and medication trials.
• Surgery: Typically done while awake (to test electrode placement), followed by implantation of the pulse generator.
• Post-surgical programming: The DBS device is activated and fine-tuned over several weeks.
• Ongoing care: Includes neurologist visits, device maintenance, and medication adjustments.

Benefits of DBS: Reduces tremors, stiffness, and slowness, can improve quality of life and daily functioning, may decrease the amount of Parkinson’s medication needed, and the adjustable settings allow for personalized treatment.

Risks and Considerations: Surgical risks include bleeding, infection, and stroke. Potential side effects include speech problems, mood changes, and balance issues. Regular follow-ups are required to adjust settings and monitor the system. DBS does not cure PD or stop its progression.

Conclusion: DBS is a proven, FDA-approved therapy that can significantly improve the quality of life for people living with PD — especially those whose symptoms are no longer well controlled by medication alone. While it is not a cure, DBS can provide substantial relief from motor symptoms and allow individuals to regain a greater sense of independence. Speaking with a movement disorder specialist is the best first step in determining whether this option is right for you or your loved one.