Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS)

The brain communicates through electrical signals that are exchanged between cells at very quick speeds. This allows the brain to process information and relay commands to the body. However, certain neurological disorders such as Parkinson’s Disease, essential tremor, and dystonia interfere with the activity of the brain’s electrical signals, thus affecting movement in the body. These conditions do this through neuron decay, and causing irregular electrical signals to be dispersed throughout the brain.

Deep Brain Stimulation, or DBS, is a neurosurgical procedure that implants electrodes into the brain and a neurostimulator into the chest area in order to realign the irregular electrical signals being sent in the brain. Electrodes are usually implanted on both sides of the brain to encompass both sides of the body, but patients can choose to have it done on one side. Once the surgeons have implanted the electrodes, they use microelectric recordings to listen to the patient’s brain waves. This allows them to tell exactly where in the brain the electrodes are implanted, and whether they have reached their target destination in the brain. The procedure is completed when the surgeons tuck the back end of the electrode wires underneath the patients’ ears.

However, the surgical procedure is not yet done. Surgeons often call in the patient for a second appointment, where they adjust the wires and finish the process. An incision is made underneath the ear, where the wires are attached, and near the chest cavity for the stimulator. Once the stimulator is placed, the surgeons attach the wires to it, effectively creating an electrical circuit within the body.

DBS significantly improves the quality of life for patients with neurological conditions. Movement symptoms or tremoring can be quickly fixed through the surgical procedure. DBS is also effective where medication fails, as it treats medication-resistant epilepsy and Parkinson’s Disease movement pretty well. DBS’s minimal invasiveness makes the risk of surgical issues diluted, and the surgeries themselves are very quick (1-2 hours for the first part, and 30 minutes for the follow-up). 

However, as with any surgical procedure, DBS has its drawbacks. Balance is a common problem reported by patients who have undergone DBS surgery, due to the electrodes disrupting the normal flow of the brain’s electrochemical signals. In addition, swelling in the tissues around the brain or even coma is possible due to surgical complications. 

In conclusion, DBS represents a groundbreaking advancement in the treatment of various neurodegenerative disorders, offering hope to patients who conventional therapies have failed. DBS has demonstrated great efficiency in managing movement disorders. Despite the challenges, continued research and technological advancements ensure that it will only improve. DBS stands as a powerful testament to the potential of neurosurgery.

Written by Saket Parayil at Incisionary

APA References:

Stanford Health Care. (2023, October). Stanfordhealthcare.org. https://stanfordhealthcare.org/stanford-health-care-now/videos/deep-brain-stimulation-dbs-for-parkinsons-disease-essential-tremor-epilepsy.html

‌Clinic, C. (2023, August 9). Deep brain stimulation is a treatment that delivers an electrical current directly into your brain. It treats movement disorders, mental health conditions and more. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/21088-deep-brain-stimulation

Deep Brain Stimulation. (2021, August 8). Hopkinsmedicine.org. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/treatment-tests-and-therapies/deep-brain-stimulation#:~:text=What%20is%20deep%20brain%20stimulation,dystonia%20and%20other%20neurological%20conditions.