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Agree toTerms and ConditionsDeep brain stimulation (DBS) surgery is a medical operation in which the surgeon implants a device that delivers electrical impulses to specific brain areas. The procedure is typically used to treat movement disorders such as Parkinson's disease, essential tremors, and dystonia. It can also be used in the treatment of psychiatric disorders like obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and major depression. DBS surgery involves the use of an electrode, which is implanted into the brain, and a neurostimulator that is implanted under the skin near the collarbone. The electrode is connected to the neurostimulator by a wire that runs under the skin. Once the device is implanted, the neurologist can adjust the electrical impulses to provide the optimal level of stimulation for the patient.
There are two types of DBS procedures: unilateral and bilateral. Unilateral DBS involves the implantation of an electrode on one side of the brain. This procedure is typically used to treat movement disorders such as essential tremors or Parkinson's disease when symptoms are more severe on one side of the body. Unilateral DBS can provide significant improvement in motor function and reduce the need for medication. Bilateral DBS involves the implantation of electrodes on both sides of the brain. This procedure is typically used to treat movement disorders such as Parkinson's disease when symptoms are significant on both sides of the body. Bilateral DBS can provide significant improvement in motor function, reduce the need for medication, and improve quality of life. The DBS surgery procedure typically involves several steps:
Before the surgery is begun, the patient goes through a thorough evaluation to determine if he/she is fit enough good candidate for DBS surgery. This includes a physical examination, medical history taking, and imaging tests like computed tomography (CT) scans or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
The patient is placed in a stereotactic frame, which is a device that holds the head in a fixed position during the surgery. This allows the surgeon to accurately target the specific area of the brain where the electrode will be implanted.
The surgeon uses brain imaging techniques such as MRI or CT scans to locate the specific area of the brain where the electrode will be implanted.
The surgeon makes a small hole in the skull and implants the electrode into the targeted area of the brain. The electrode is then connected to the wire that runs under the skin to the neurostimulator.
The neurostimulator is implanted under the skin near the collarbone. The surgeon makes a small incision and creates a pocket under the skin where the device is placed.
After the surgery, the neurologist will program the device to deliver the appropriate level of electrical stimulation to the brain. This programming can be adjusted as needed to provide the optimal level of stimulation for the patient.
DBS is typically prescribed for individuals who have been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, essential tremor, dystonia, or obsessive-compulsive disorder.
DBS is often used as a last resort when other treatments, such as medication, have failed to provide adequate relief of symptoms.
DBS may also be recommended for those who experience significant side effects from medication and are unable to tolerate the dosage required to control their symptoms.
DBS is not a cure for the above conditions but can really improve quality of life and reduce symptoms such as tremors, stiffness, and difficulty with movement.
Before the surgery, the patient will need to undergo many tests to evaluate their condition and check if they are eligible for DBS surgery.
Patients are typically advised to stop taking any blood thinner medications or supplements at least two weeks preoperatively to lower reduce the bleeding risk during the procedure.
Smoking can also raise the risk of complications during surgery, so patients are advised to quit smoking several weeks before the procedure.
Patients should inform their doctor of any medication allergies or health conditions they have, as well as any medications they are currently taking.
Patients will be advised to fast for several hours before the surgery, typically from midnight the night before.
The patient is given general anesthesia for the surgery, so they will need to arrange for someone to take them home and stay with them for the first few days after the surgery.
The patient is given general anesthesia for the surgery, so they will need to arrange for someone to take them home and stay with them for the first few days after the surgery.
The first step is to identify patients who are eligible for deep brain stimulation surgery. The candidate should have a well-defined neurological disorder that can be treated with DBS.
The patient undergoes a complete medical evaluation preoperatively to ensure that they are fit for surgery. The evaluation includes blood tests, electrocardiogram (ECG), and chest x-ray.
The candidate undergoes a neurological evaluation to determine the severity of the neurological disorder and to identify the exact location of the brain that needs stimulation.
The candidate undergoes an MRI and CT scan to create a detailed image of the brain, which helps the surgeon to identify the exact location for placing the electrodes.
Before the surgery, the candidate undergoes a trial stimulation to determine if they will benefit from the DBS surgery. A temporary electrode is placed in the brain, and the patient is given a remote control to adjust the level of stimulation. If the patient feels a considerable improvement in symptoms, they are considered a suitable candidate for the DBS surgery.
The patient and their family members receive counseling to comprehend the risks and benefits of the surgery. The counseling also includes information on how to manage the device after the surgery.
This is given to numb the area where the electrodes will be placed.
The surgeon uses a stereotactic frame to precisely target the area of the brain where the electrodes will be placed. The electrodes are inserted in the brain through small holes drilled in the skull.
Once the electrodes are in place, the surgeon tests the electrodes by stimulating them and observing the patient's response. The patient is awake during this process to provide feedback on the stimulation.
Once the electrodes are in place, the surgeon implants the pulse generator, which is a battery-powered device that sends electrical impulses to the brain. The pulse generator is placed under the collarbone or in the abdomen, and it is connected to electrodes by wires that run under the skin.
The surgeon closes the incision using stitches or staples, and a sterile bandage is placed over the area.
After the surgery, the patient returns for follow-up visits to have the device programmed. The programming involves adjusting the level of stimulation to achieve the best possible outcome.
A stereotactic frame is attached to the patient’s head to help guide the surgeon in placing the electrodes in the correct location.
An MRI scan is taken to identify the precise location of the target area in the brain.
A microelectrode is used to record the brain's electrical activity in the brain to ensure that the electrode is placed in the right location.
Once the target area is located, the electrodes are implanted into the brain and connected to a pulse generator which is implanted under the skin in the chest or abdomen.
The device is programmed to deliver the appropriate electrical stimulation to the brain. The stimulation can be adjusted as per the patient’s needs.
After the surgery, the patient is observed closely so that major complications can be avoided. The patient may experience some discomfort at the site of the incision, but this should subside in a few days. The patient should avoid any kind of strenuous activity for a period of at least 2-3 weeks after the procedure to allow the incision to heal properly. The patient will also need to return to the hospital for regular follow-up appointments to ensure that the device is working properly and to make any necessary adjustments to the stimulation settings. The patient may also need physical therapy or occupational therapy to help improve their motor function.
The common risks associated with deep brain stimulation DBS surgery are infection at the site of the incision, bleeding in the brain, stroke, seizures, and hardware malfunction. Patients may also experience side effects of electrical stimulation, including:
Tingling or numbness
Muscle twitching or spasms
Changes in speech or vision
Difficulty with balance or coordination
Patients should discuss these risks with their surgeon. It is important for patients to understand them before making a decision about whether to undergo the procedure.