Pioneering Deep Brain Stimulation: IBS Hospital’s Cutting-Edge Expertise

The Deep Brain Stimulation system comprises four parts:
Leads: Thin insulated wires ending in electrodes, which are implanted in the brain.
Pulse Generator: A small pacemaker-like device that generates the electrical pulses.
Extension Leads: Wires that transmit electrical pulses from the pulse generator to the brain-implanted leads.
Programmer Device: A hand-held device used to adjust the signals of the system and to turn it off and on.

In the Deep Brain Stimulation system, electrodes are implanted in the targeted areas of the brain. These electrodes are connected by wires to a type of pacemaker device known as an implantable pulse generator, which is placed under the skin of the chest below the collarbone. Once activated, the pulse generator sends continuous electrical pulses to the target areas in the brain. This modifies the abnormal activity in those brain areas that are causing symptoms. The Deep Brain Stimulation system operates in a manner similar to a heart pacemaker. In fact, Deep Brain Stimulation is often referred to as ‘the pacemaker for the brain.’

Deep Brain Stimulation is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (USA) to treat a variety of movement and neurological disorders, including:

• Parkinson’s disease 
• Essential tremor
• Dystonia
• Epilepsy
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder
• Tourette syndrome

Before being considered a candidate for Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) surgery, patients must undergo an extensive evaluation process. Ideally, this involves assessment by a multidisciplinary team of specialists, including a Neurologist, Neurosurgeon, Neuropsychologist, and Psychiatrist.

Candidates for DBS are generally patients who meet the following criteria:

• Their symptoms are not well-controlled despite receiving the appropriate doses of medications.
• Their symptoms significantly reduce their quality of life.
• They cannot tolerate the side effects of their current medications.

Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) offers several advantages:

• Unlike some other surgical options, DBS does not cause permanent damage to any part of the brain.
• The electrical stimulation is adjustable and reversible. This adaptability accommodates changes in the patient’s disease  progression or response to medications.
• Due to its reversibility and lack of permanent brain damage, DBS may allow for the use of innovative treatment options  that may emerge in the future.
• The stimulator can be turned off at any time. If DBS causes excessive side effects, this can be done without any long-term  consequences.

• Your stitches or staples will be removed 10 to 14 days after surgery.
• Keep each of the four pin sites covered with band-aids until they are dry. Change these band-aids daily as necessary.
• You can wash your head with a damp cloth while avoiding the surgical area.
• You may shampoo your hair very gently the day after your stitches or staples are removed.
• You should avoid scratching or irritating the wound areas.

Call your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms:

• Experiencing severe and persistent headaches.
• Bleeding from your incision.
• Redness or increased swelling in the area of the incision.
• Loss of vision.
• A sudden change in vision.
• A persistent body temperature of 101 degrees Fahrenheit or higher.