![]() Each method has its pros and cons and may not be suitable for everyone or available everywhere. Some medical centers now use brain imaging to guide the electrodes to the right spot while a person is asleep. Usually you remain awake during surgery so you can answer questions and perform certain tasks to make sure the electrodes are positioned correctly. In DBS surgery, the surgeon places thin wires called electrodes into one or both sides of the brain, in specific areas (either the subthalamic nucleus or the globus pallidus interna) that control movement. It's also critical to discuss the potential surgical risks, including bleeding, stroke and infection. If your doctors do recommend you for DBS and you are considering the surgery, discuss with your care team the potential benefits (decreased tremor, fewer medications, etc.) as each person's experience is unique. They also may do detailed memory/thinking testing to detect any problems that could worsen with DBS. They review your medications and symptoms, examine you when you're on and off Parkinson's medication, and take brain imaging scans. Deep Brain Stimulation SurgeryĪ team of experts, including a movement disorder specialist (a neurologist with extra training in Parkinson's) and a brain surgeon, conducts an extensive assessment when considering DBS for someone. DBS may interrupt the irregular signaling patterns so cells can communicate more smoothly and symptoms lessen. In Parkinson's disease, these signals become irregular and uncoordinated, which leads to motor symptoms. To control normal movement and other functions, brain cells communicate with each other using electrical signals. Parkinson's 360: Deep Brain Stimulation How Deep Brain Stimulation WorksĮxactly how DBS works is not completely understood, but many experts believe it regulates abnormal electrical signaling patterns in the brain. As DBS may worsen thinking or memory problems, it's not recommended for people with dementia. It doesn't work as well for imbalance, freezing of gait (sudden inability to move when walking) or non-motor symptoms. While transformative for some, DBS is not for everyone. This treatment is approved for people who have had Parkinson's disease for at least four years and who get a benefit from medication but have motor complications, such as significant "off" time (periods when symptoms return because medication isn't working well) and/or dyskinesia (uncontrolled, involuntary movements).ĭBS typically works best to lessen motor symptoms of stiffness, slowness and tremor. A surgeon places thin metal wires in the brain these wires send electrical pulses to the brain to help control some motor symptoms. Deep Brain Stimulationĭeep brain stimulation (DBS) is the most commonly performed surgical treatment for Parkinson's. For people and families who are curious about deep brain stimulation (DBS), Dr.
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