Deep Brain Stimulation

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is a medical procedure which involves implanting electrodes within certain areas of the brain. These electrodes send out mild electrical impulses that regulate abnormalities within the brain.

How and why it is done?

The amount of stimulation in deep brain stimulation is controlled by a pacemaker-like device placed under the skin in your upper chest. A wire that travels under your skin connects this device to the electrodes in your brain. A DBS system has three parts that are implanted inside the body:

• Neurostimulator – a programmable battery-powered pacemaker device that creates electric pulses. It is placed under the skin of the chest below the collarbone or in the abdomen. 
• Lead – a coated wire with several electrodes at the tip that deliver electric pulses to the brain tissue. It is placed inside the brain and connects to an extension wire through a small hole in the skull. 
• Extension – an insulated wire that connects the lead to the neurostimulator. It is placed under the skin and runs from the scalp, behind the ear, down the neck, and to the chest.

The patient uses a handheld controller to turn the DBS system on and off. The doctor programs the stimulator settings with a wireless device. The stimulation settings can be adjusted as a patient's condition changes over time. Unlike other surgeries, such as pallidotomy or thalamotomy, DBS does not damage the brain tissue. Thus, if better treatments develop in the future, the DBS procedure can be reversed.