Deep brain stimulation is a part of neuromodulation therapies and specific treatment therapy established over 25 years ago.
DBS is a neurosurgical procedure involving the placement of a medical device called a neurostimulator, which sends electrical impulses, through implanted electrodes, to specific targets in the brain (the brain nucleus).
The DBS system consists of three components: the implanted pulse generator (IPG), the lead, and an extension. The IPG is a battery-powered neurostimulator, which sends electrical pulses to the brain that interfere with neural activity at the target site. The lead is placed in one or two different nuclei of the brain. The lead is connected to the IPG by an extension, an insulated wire that runs below the skin to the IPG.
DBS leads are placed in the brain according to the type of symptoms to be addressed.
Deep brain stimulation is commonly used to treat a number of conditions, such as:
- Parkinson's disease
- Essential tremor
- Dystonia
- Epilepsy
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder
Deep brain stimulation is also being studied as a potential treatment for:
- Tourette syndrome
- Huntington's disease and chorea
- Chronic pain
- Cluster headache
