Deep Brain Stimulation
Deep brain stimulation, or DBS, is an advanced surgical treatment that can help reduce movement-related symptoms associated with Parkinson’s disease, essential tremor and dystonia.
During the procedure, surgeons implant electrodes in carefully selected areas of the brain, along with a small battery-powered control device in the chest. The implanted system provides small amounts of electrical stimulation to the brain to help treat movement disorders.
UToledo Health is the first and only health system in Northwest Ohio to offer deep brain stimulation.
Our multidisciplinary movement disorders team brings together experienced specialists in neurology, neurosurgery, neuropsychology, neurophysiology, anesthesiology, physical therapy and other disciplines to help patients improve their quality of life.
To learn more about our program or schedule a consultation with one of our experienced physicians, call 419.383.6387.
When Deep Brain Stimulation May Help
Medications used to treat Parkinson’s disease or essential tremor can lose their effectiveness over time or cause unwanted side effects.
Deep brain stimulation may be considered for patients whose symptoms are affecting their daily life and are not adequately controlled by medication or other non-surgical options. It also may be an option for those who experience significant side effects from medication.
Essential Tremor
Essential tremor, or ET, is a neurological disorder that causes involuntary shaking. While essential tremor is not life-threatening, it can make daily tasks such as writing, eating, drinking or shaving challenging.
For those who don’t respond to medication, or who choose to discontinue medication because of side effects, deep brain stimulation therapy can provide significant relief. Studies have shown patients may experience up to an 80% reduction in tremor.
Parkinson’s Disease
Parkinson’s disease is a neurodegenerative disease that affects nearly 1 million Americans. Common physical symptoms include tremor, stiffness and slowed movements. As the disease progresses, these symptoms can get worse.
Deep brain stimulation can help patients manage movement-related symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, reducing shakiness, allowing patients to move more freely and helping reduce periods when medications are less effective.
Importantly, deep brain stimulation is not a cure for the disease itself, and it does not slow disease progression. It also does not treat non-motor symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, such as cognitive changes, sleep disorders or mood-related symptoms.
Dystonia
Dystonia is a movement disorder that causes involuntary and sometimes painful muscle contractions.
Deep brain stimulation can help improve patients’ posture, range of motion and quality of life.
How Deep Brain Stimulation Works
Deep brain stimulation works by modulating the brain’s electrical signals.
During the procedure, a neurosurgeon carefully places tiny electrodes deep in the brain. Those probes, connected by wire to a pacemaker-like device that’s implanted in the patient’s chest, supply small amounts of electrical stimulation.
DBS is programmable, adjustable, reversible and able to be used without damaging parts of the brain.
The procedure has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for more than two decades.
What to Expect
While not every patient is a candidate for deep brain stimulation, it can offer meaningful symptom relief for the right patient.
Our team begins with an individualized evaluation that includes a careful review of your medical and medication history, a neurological exam, imaging and neuropsychological testing. You’ll meet with a UToledo Health neurosurgeon and movement disorders specialist to review your results.
If deep brain stimulation is determined to be a good option, you’ll be scheduled for surgery.
UToledo Health implants the entire system in a single day.
Following surgery, the device is programmed and adjusted over several weeks to help achieve the best possible symptom control. Patients continue to work closely with their care team as settings are refined to meet their individual needs.
Want to Learn More?
If Parkinson's disease, essential tremor or dystonia is affecting your quality of life, our team can help determine whether deep brain stimulation is right for you. Call 419.383.6387 to schedule a consultation.