What is Deep Brain Stimulation?
Deep Brain Stimulation, thought to be a breakthrough procedures in the treatment of movement disorders, is done via implantation of electrodes in certain area of your brain which then produce electrical impulses. These electrical impulses can help stimulate cells within the brain to release hormones or they can even be used to regulate any abnormal impulses which may be produced by the brain.
The electrode and the impulses they fire off are controlled by a neurotransmitter which is placed under the skin in the chest region. The two are connected through wires which run from your chest to your brain under the skin.
When is Deep Brain Stimulation used as a form of treatment?
This procedure is used to treat conditions which produce uncontrollable, abnormal movements, such as:
- Parkinson’s disease
- Essential tremors
- Tourette’s syndrome
- Dystonia
- Epilepsy
- Obsessive compulsive disorder
It has been used for decades as a form of treatment for intractable, chronic pain, and only of late is being used for the above mentioned movement disorders. But it must be kept in mind that not all patient with these conditions will be candidates to undergo this procedure. Only a selected number of them will be.
Currently it is also being experimentedsuccessfully as a form of treatment for conditions like depression, addiction, dementia and recovery from a stroke.
The indication for the use of Deep Brain Stimulation as a form of treatment for these conditions is when medical management has failed to show improvement of symptoms.
Are there different types of deep brain stimulation?
There are currently four different types of Deep Brain Stimulation being practiced in terms of the location where the electrodes are placed. They are:
- Sub thalamic nucleus (STN) deep brain stimulation – this is thought to be the most effective in terms of the range of symptoms. It is by the most effective form for the treatment of gait and balance. Patients who undergo STN stimulation sometimes experience double vision, paresthesia, nausea, muscle contraction as well as mood changes as side effects. It is most commonly used worldwide.
- Globus Pallidus deep brain stimulation - is an effective tool against the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. It is extremely effective against dyskinesia, which is involuntary movements or tics. But compared to STN stimulation, globus pallidus is not as potent in relieving symptoms.
- Thalamic deep brain stimulation - is effective only for patients exhibiting tremors and possibly rigidity and is therefore limited in its use. Thalamic stimulation also poses higher risks of voice, speech and swallowing complications.
- Pedunculopontine nucleus deep brain stimulation- is a newer technique showing great promise to relieve gait and balance problems for patients with Parkinson’s disease.
Choosing which method of stimulation will be suitable for each patient depends on factors such as the condition they are suffering from, symptoms the patient is displaying as well as the skill level of the surgeon.
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Read Our blogs On Deep Brain Stimulation
https://www.bestneurosurgeoningurgaon.com/blog/deep-brain-stimulation-procedure-a-deep-insight/
https://www.bestneurosurgeoningurgaon.com/blog/deep-brain-stimulation-dbs-in-india/