Deep brain stimulation

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) involves surgically implanting electrodes within specific areas of the brain. These electrodes produce electrical impulses that regulate the abnormal electrical activity associated with movement and psychiatric disorders. The amount of stimulation is controlled by a pacemaker-like device placed under the skin in the upper chest, connected to the brain electrodes by a wire that travels under the skin.

DBS is approved to treat dystonia, epilepsy, essential tremor, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and Parkinson's disease. It is also being actively studied as a treatment for addiction, chronic pain, cluster headache, dementia, major depression, Huntington's disease, multiple sclerosis, stroke recovery, Tourette syndrome, and traumatic brain injury.

DBS is an established treatment for movement disorders such as essential tremor, Parkinson's disease, and dystonia, as well as psychiatric conditions such as OCD. It is also FDA-approved to reduce seizures in difficult-to-treat epilepsy. Treatment is reserved for patients whose symptoms are not adequately controlled by medications.

DBS will not cure the underlying disease, but it can significantly reduce symptoms and improve quality of life. In most cases, medications may still be needed alongside the device.