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Deep Brain Stimulation

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is a surgical procedure where we place a small device, similar to a pacemaker, into a specific area of your brain. The device generates electrical impulses that regulate abnormal brain activity caused by various neurological conditions.

DBS can alleviate symptoms such as tremors, stiffness, and mobility issues, improving your quality of life. While it is not a cure, it can help you manage your condition better.

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Types of DBS: Conventional and adaptive

Conventional DBS delivers a continuous electrical pulse to the target area in the brain, providing consistent symptom relief. Adaptive DBS, a more recent development, employs a responsive approach. It monitors brain activity and adjusts stimulation levels for a more precise response to your needs. Adaptive DBS can reduce side effects and help the device last longer.

Who needs it?
You may be suitable for DBS if you have a movement disorder, such as Parkinson’s disease, epilepsy, essential tremor, and dystonia, and your symptoms become hard to manage with medication alone.

You may also benefit from this treatment if you have:
- Anxiety
- Anorexia
- Alzheimer’s
- Chronic pain
- Cluster headaches
- Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)
While DBS isn’t suitable for everyone, it can offer considerable relief if you meet the criteria. We will perform a series of tests to see if this treatment is likely to help you and will discuss the benefits and risks in depth so that you can make an informed decision.

If you are unsure about DBS, you may wish to try alternative medications or physical therapy. You can discuss these options and what may be best for you with our specialist.
Preparation

Before this procedure, you may need to stop taking certain medications temporarily, such as blood thinners. Our specialist will let you know if you do and which medications. You may need MRI and CT scans to map the correct area in your brain to implant the electrodes. We may also suggest blood and urine tests to check your general health.
What does it involve?

During a DBS procedure, a neurosurgeon carefully places thin electrodes into specific areas of your brain based on pre-surgical imaging and assessments. You are usually awake to let the neurosurgeon monitor your responses, but you will have local anaesthesia on your scalp.

The neurosurgeon connects the electrodes to a pulse generator device, which they implant under the skin of your chest or abdomen. Once the device is in place, the electrodes are programmed to deliver electrical impulses, modulating abnormal brain activity and reducing symptoms.
After

After the surgery, you will need post-operative programming sessions to fine-tune your stimulation settings so the device can best control your symptoms.

During stimulation, you may experience some tingling, numbness, or a pulling sensation in your muscles. You may also feel lightheaded and have trouble with balance or speech.

We recommend attending regular follow-up appointments to ensure the device is working effectively. We can also make any necessary adjustments during these appointments. It can take around 4 to 6 months to find the right settings for you.

Once you’ve had the procedure, you must carry a card telling people you have a DBS neurostimulator in case something around you affects the device or you experience a medical issue that prevents you from explaining it to others yourself. You can present this ID card if anyone, such as airport security, has questions about the device.

You might also want to wear a medical ID bracelet. Depending on your symptoms and other conditions, you may still need to take medication.
Benefits

One of the key benefits is that it is a highly effective treatment that can provide consistent symptom relief, improving your overall quality of life and restoring your independence. You may be able to participate in more daily activities than before and experience less stress from your condition.

Another advantage is that it can reduce your need for high doses of medication, possibly minimising medication-related side effects. It also offers a degree of customisation as we can adjust the settings to improve its performance.
Side effects and risks

Some people experience side effects, such as speech or mood changes, after DBS surgery. You might have a headache after and some minor pain or swelling around the insertion site. You may also have trouble concentrating, feel sick, or experience some confusion.

These side effects are usually temporary, and you can manage them with adjustments to your stimulation settings. Like all surgical procedures, there are some risks involved, such as infection and bleeding.

There’s also a risk of complications related to the hardware, such as malfunction or migration of the device or an eroded lead wire, which you may need further surgery to resolve. In rare cases, some people experience a stroke or seizure.
What should I avoid after DBS?

Avoid exposing the implant site to excessive moisture after the procedure, as this can increase the risk of infection. Our specialist will let you know when you can swim again and participate in strenuous exercise or heavy lifting. Also, avoid radar or high-voltage machinery and power generators, as they have large magnetic fields.

If you are going on a flight, inform airport security that you have a neurostimulator device before going through their scanners. They should only hold a handheld detector over the device for a few seconds if they do an additional screening.

Private assessment for DBS

You may consider an assessment for deep brain stimulation if you have a neurological condition like Parkinson’s disease or essential tremor and have a poor quality of life despite medication.

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United Kingdom

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Call: 07954 847 479