Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS)

A small device, similar to a pacemaker, is surgically implanted to deliver electrical stimulation to targeted areas of the brain. This procedure is used to treat a variety of disabling neurological symptoms, including symptoms related to essential tremor, Parkinson's disease, obsessive compulsive disorder and epilepsy. DBS has also been investigated as a therapy in chronic pain, central pain syndrome, severe intractable depression, bipolar disorder, Tourette syndrome, stroke recovery, hypertension, Alzheimer's disease, obesity, anorexia and addiction disorders.

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A deep brain stimulation system (DBS) delivers electrical impulses to specific brain areas to restore the balance of circuits that are disrupted . . . 

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Surgery is only one step in the process of undergoing deep brain stimulation therapy . . .

What neural structures are targeted?

Brain targets were suggested from basic research or neurosurgery experience . . .

Reviewed April 26, 2018
Konstantin Slavin, MD
Secretary, International Neuromodulation Society, 2017 - 2020
Professor, Department of Neurosurgery, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Ill., USA

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