Deep Brain Stimulation

What is Deep Brain Stimulation

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is a surgical procedure that can treat patients with symptoms of movement or seizure disorders, including conditions such as essential tremor, Parkinson's disease and epilepsy.

Deep Brain Stimulators

DBS uses a surgically implanted, battery-operated medical device called a neurostimulator – similar to a heart pacemaker and approximately the size of a stopwatch – to deliver electrical stimulation to targeted areas in the brain that control movement, blocking the abnormal nerve signals that cause tremor and Parkinson symptoms.

How does it work?

The DBS system consists of three components: the lead, the extension, and the neurostimulator. The lead (also called an electrode) is a thin, insulated wire and is inserted through a small opening in the skull and implanted in the brain. The tip of the electrode is positioned within the targeted area of the brain. Implanting these devices takes a great deal of preparation and planning but very little surgery. The surgery involves just a few small incisions and as a result, people tend to heal from it very well.

Will it work for me?

This is largely a personal decision. A typical candidate is one whose symptoms are worsening and require increased medication, either in terms of dose, frequency or the number of medications taken. Our guidance is typically that the risk of doing something ought to be less than doing nothing. For most patients, they know when the time is right for them and proceed with confidence. These are the patients who have outstanding results.

To find out if deep brain stimulation is right for you, please join us at our monthly lunch and learn from noon to 1 p.m. on the second Thursday of each month. Lunch is provided. This is a free event, but registration is required and limited. To register, please call 717-531-2085 or email DBS@pennstatehealth.psu.edu.

When medication was no longer enough to manage the tremors and muscle cramps caused by Parkinson’s disease, Brandan turned to the neurological team at Penn State Health for deep brain stimulation therapy. See how he and other Parkinson’s patients benefit from this advanced treatment.

Penn State Health Deep Brain Stimulation Program co-directors Dr. Sol De Jesus and Dr. Jim McInerney discuss deep brain stimulation as a treatment for patients with symptoms of movement or seizure disorders, including conditions such as essential tremor, Parkinson's disease and epilepsy.

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