Deep brain stimulation is a surgical procedure to treat the debilitating symptoms of Parkinson's disease.
Parkinson's disease is affects the nervous system. It is progressive and is characterized by tremors, muscle rigidity. The sufferer manifests slow, imprecise movements.
The disease develops gradually and early signs of the disease involves tremor sometimes starting with barely noticeable shaking.
Other symptoms of the disease may include little facial expression and slurring of speech. Although there is no cure for the disease, medications and surgery are available to lessen the effects of the disease.
Deep brain stimulation or DBS is a surgical procedure that treats the effects of parkinsonism by implanting a device in the brain. Electrodes are placed on both sides of the brain through small holes on the top of the head.
The DBS system has three parts. The neurostimulator is a programmable pacemaker device that creates electric pulses. It is placed in the abdomen or in the chest just under the collarbone.
The lead which is a coated wire with a number of electrodes at the tip of that deliver electric pulses to the brain tissue.
Extension, is a wire that connects the lead to the neurostimulator. It is placed under the skin. It runs from the scalp down to the chest.
Although most patients still have to take medications, many patients report a significant reduction in the use of medications after undergoing DBS.
Deep brain stimulation is performed by a neurosurgeon who has specialized training. The team also includes a neurologist.
All surgery carries risks and DBS is no exception. Some of the risks include bleeding, blood clots, infection and reaction to the anesthesia as written in an article by Mayfield Brain & Spine.
Who are good candidates for the surgery? There are several criterion that makes a patient a good candidate for the surgery. Those who suffered symptoms of Parkinson's disease for at least five years.
A person that has continued good response to medications. Those who have tried several PD medications and those who have symptoms that interfere with daily activities as reported by the National Parkinson Foundation.
