Components and Benefits of DBS
Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is an advanced surgical procedure used to treat movement disorders such as Parkinson’s disease and dystonia. It delivers controlled electrical pulses to improve symptoms.
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Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is a surgical procedure used to treat a variety of disabling neurological symptoms—most commonly the debilitating motor symptoms of Parkinson's disease, such as tremors, rigidity, slowed movement, and slowed gait. DBS may also improve some non-motor symptoms, such as sleep problems, pain, and urinary urgency. It's important to note that DBS can only help relieve symptoms, not cure or stop the progression of the disease.
Deep brain stimulation does not damage healthy brain tissue or destroy neurons, but rather interrupts abnormal electrical signals in targeted brain regions. Currently, this procedure is only used for people whose symptoms cannot be adequately controlled with medication.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved DBS for:
• Parkinson’s tremor (1997).
• Advanced Parkinson’s symptoms (2002).
• Early-stage Parkinson’s (patients with at least four years of disease and uncontrolled motor symptoms despite medication) (2016).
Deep brain stimulation is the most significant therapeutic advance for Parkinson's disease since the development of levodopa. It is most effective for people with disabling tremors, sudden “off” episodes, and dyskinesia caused by medication, and studies have shown that its benefits last for at least five years.
How does deep brain stimulation work?
In deep brain stimulation surgery, electrodes are inserted into a targeted area of the brain, using MRI guidance and, sometimes, recordings of brain cell activity during the procedure. A battery that generates pulses, similar to a pacemaker, is then implanted under the collarbone.
Dr. Zeiad Yossry, professor of neurosurgery and Parkinson's disease, delivers electrical stimulation to targeted areas of the brain that control movement. Those undergoing DBS surgery receive a control device to turn the device on and off and review basic data, such as battery status.
The DBS system consists of three components:
1- The electrode, which is a thin, insulated wire that is inserted through a small opening in the skull and implanted in a targeted area of the brain.
2- An insulated wire passes under the skin of the head, neck, and shoulder to connect the electrode to the nerve stimulator.
3- A neurostimulator that is implanted under the skin near the collarbone.
Benefits of DBS for Parkinson's disease and dystonia:
• It can be performed on one or both sides of the brain, depending on the symptoms.
• Deep brain stimulation significantly enhances quality of life by improving motor function and reducing tremors.
• Deep brain stimulation provides continuous symptom control 24 hours a day, so patients are less dependent on medication to control symptoms, which can lessen side effects. DBS can also reduce the fluctuations that occur as medications take effect and wear off.
• Deep brain stimulation is adjustable. Settings can be changed to increase effectiveness or minimize side effects.
• Deep brain stimulation is renewable, as the battery lasts for two to five years and can be replaced.
• Patients who have undergone DBS may be able to participate in other treatments, such as stem cell or gene therapy, when they become available.
• The deep brain stimulation system is reversible, meaning the stimulator can be turned off and the system left in place or removed.
• Deep brain stimulation (DBS) does not interfere with normal activities such as swimming, bathing, sexual intercourse, or exercising.
Patient Guide
Dystonia is a neurological disorder that causes involuntary contractions that affect movement. Deep brain stimulation can be used to control movement coordination.
Parkinson's disease is a chronic neurological disorder that affects movement due to a lack of dopamine in the brain, causing tremors, stiffness, and slowed motion, and requires deep brain stimulation.
Functional neurosurgery has witnessed tremendous progress, revolutionizing the treatment of chronic neurological disorders such as Parkinson’s disease to offer patients a better quality of life.