Millions of Americans suffer from movement disorders that cause uncontrollable, often severe body tremors and shakes. Conditions such as Parkinson’s disease and essential tremor can severely impact a person’s ability to perform even the most basic tasks of daily living.
While medications can help control symptoms for many patients, a surgical procedure called deep brain stimulation (DBS) has proven to be especially successful in managing symptoms for patients who don’t respond to standard treatment.
Like a pacemaker for the heart, deep brain stimulation involves surgically placing a small electrode into the brain that helps regulate electrical signals. The amount of electrical stimulation is controlled by a device placed under the skin on the chest. A wire beneath the skin connects the device to the electrode in the brain.
Using a handheld device, you and your doctor will work together to fine-tune the stimulation settings to achieve the desired level of relief. DBS can reduce symptoms such as stiffness, slow movements and tremors. This type of brain surgery does not damage brain tissue and is even reversible. Learn more about deep brain stimulation in the video below.
Benefits of deep brain stimulation
While DBS is not a cure, studies have shown that when this treatment is used in combination with other therapies such as medication, patients can experience significant improvements in quality of life, such as:
- Decreased symptoms and discomfort
- Increased mobility and independence
- Improved emotional well-being
Evaluation and screening for deep brain stimulation
A team of physicians — including neurosurgeons, neurologists and neuropsychologists — who specialize in movement disorders will work closely with you to assess the potential benefits of DBS as part of your treatment plan. The evaluation and screening process may involve brain-imaging studies, such as MRI.