What is deep brain stimulation (DBS)?

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) involves implanting an electrode in the brain to deliver continuous high-frequency electrical stimulation to various parts of the brain that control movement. This stimulation is thought to suppress overactivity in areas of the brain that are affected by Parkinson's disease. The lay press calls it a pacemaker for the brain, which is a useful description. Just like a pacemaker for the heart controls abnormal electrical activity in the heart, the DBS controls abnormal electrical activity in the brain. For example, when we map the brain to put in the DBS electrodes we may hear tremor cells firing in the brain. Once the DBS is turned on, the firing of these tremor cells can be suppressed. In most cases we are able to find the sweet-spot electrode that gives the best control of symptoms with the least side effects.

The most commonly performed functional neurosurgery procedure is deep brain stimulation, which is approved for the treatment of Parkinson's disease, essential tremor, torsion dystonia, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. Deep brain stimulation is considered when medications fail to adequately control symptoms or cause intolerable side effects.