Deep brain stimulation
About this test
Deep brain stimulation (DBS) involves implanting electrodes within areas of the brain. The electrodes produce electrical impulses that affect brain activity to treat certain medical conditions. The electrical impulses also can affect cells and chemicals within the brain that cause medical conditions.
Why it's done
Deep brain stimulation is an established treatment for people with movement conditions. These conditions include essential tremor, Parkinson's disease and dystonia. It's also used for psychiatric conditions such as obsessive-compulsive disorder. And deep brain stimulation has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration as a treatment to reduce seizures in hard-to-treat epilepsy. Deep brain stimulation is used in people whose symptoms aren't controlled with medicines.
Risks and complications
Deep brain stimulation is generally considered to be low risk. But any type of surgery has the risk of complications. Also, brain stimulation itself can cause side effects.
Understanding your results
Deep brain stimulation won't cure your condition, but it may help lessen your symptoms. While your symptoms may improve enough to make a difference, they often don't go away completely. Medicines may still be needed for certain conditions. Deep brain stimulation isn't successful for everyone. Its success relies on several factors. Talk with a healthcare professional before surgery about what type of improvement you can expect.
Disclaimer: August is a health information platform and its responses don't constitute medical advise. Always consult with a licenced medical professional near you before making any changes.