Deep Brain Stimulation Fact Sheet

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What is deep brain stimulation?

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is a surgical procedure used to treat a variety of symptoms caused by different movement disorders. An electrode (a plastic coated fine wire) is placed in an area deep in the brain. DBS involves a battery-operated medical device surgically implanted under the skin over each side of the chest. After the device is implanted into the brain, the battery and brain electrode are linked to wire running under the skin, neck and scalp. After the deep brain stimulation devices are implanted into the chest and brain, an external device is given to the patient so that he/she can turn the stimulation on or off. These devices are very similar to a heart pacemaker and are approximately the size of a stopwatch. In some cases, the wire is only implanted to one side of the brain, while in other cases the wire can be attached to both sides of the brain. The wire contains electrodes that give electrical stimulation to targeted areas in the brain that control movement without destroying the brain. The electrical stimulation blocks the abnormal nerve signals that cause the symptoms of disorders such as Parkinson’s disease and essential tremor. Since every patient’s stimulation level will be different, a physician uses a programmer that controls the intensity and frequency of the electrical impulses.

What deep brain stimulation treats

Deep brain stimulation can safely treat symptoms from a variety of movement disorders that include the following:

• Parkinson’s disease – Deep brain stimulation
is most commonly used for treatment of Parkinson’s
disease symptoms such as tremor, walking
problems, stiffness and slowed movement.
• Essential tremor – A chronic condition that
causes uncontrollable trembling of the voice or
body part; the most common areas affected are
the hands and arms. DSB is mainly used to control
the tremor in the hand and arm.
• Dystonia – A neurological disorder characterized
by repetitive muscle contractions, which causes
twisting and jerking of the body or body part.
Deep brain stimulation is generally used to help
control abnormal movement of the body.

Resources

UK HealthCare Movement Disorders Clinic
859-323-5661
Movement Disorders Clinic

NIH/National Institute of
Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)
1-800-352-9424
www.ninds.nih.gov

To make an appointment or find a physician, please call UK HealthCare at 859-257-1000 or toll free 1-800-333-8874.
Copyright © 2007, University of Kentucky, 800 Rose St., Lexington, Kentucky, USA 40536.

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Page last updated Wednesday, February 28, 2007 10:28 AM