Skip to content

International patient

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) 

What is deep brain stimulation (DBS)? 

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is a surgical procedure that involves implanting electrodes in specific areas of the brain. These electrodes are connected to a neurostimulator, similar to a pacemaker, which is implanted under the skin. The neurostimulator sends electrical impulses to the electrodes in the brain, modulating neuronal activity and relieving the symptoms of certain neurological and psychiatric disorders. 

What is this diagnostic procedure for? 

The main uses of deep brain stimulation (DBS) are: 

  • Parkinson’s disease: to reduce tremors, stiffness, slowness of movement, and other motor symptoms. 
  • Essential tremor: to reduce uncontrollable tremors. 
  • Dystonia: to reduce involuntary muscle contractions and abnormal movements. 
  • Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD): to reduce obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors. 
  • Treatment-resistant depression: to relieve the symptoms of depression that do not respond to other treatments. 

Benefits of advanced technology in DBS 

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) offers a number of key benefits thanks to the technology it uses: 

  • Precise planning: high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) allows for precise identification of the brain areas to be stimulated. 
  • Advanced surgical guidance: intraoperative MRI or CT, along with neuronavigation systems, allow for precise electrode placement with millimeter accuracy. 
  • Personalized stimulation: neurostimulator programming is carried out individually for each patient, adjusting the stimulation parameters to maximize benefits and minimize side effects. 

Improving quality of life: DBS can significantly improve patients’ quality of life by reducing the symptoms of their disorders. 

What does the procedure involve?

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is a complex procedure performed in several stages: 

  • Preparation:

    It is important to inform your doctor about any allergies you have, especially to metals. You must also tell your doctor about all the medications you’re taking, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements. You may need to stop taking some medications before surgery, such as blood thinners and medication for tremor or Parkinson’s disease. 
  • During the procedure:

    The procedure is performed in two main stages. 

     

    • First stage
      A stereotactic frame will be placed on your head to guide the placement of the electrodes. An MRI and CT scan will be performed to obtain detailed images of your brain, and then you will be taken to the operating room, where peripheral IV lines will be inserted in case you require medication during surgery, and a urinary catheter will also be placed. You will be given local anesthesia and sedation. Small incisions will be made in the scalp and small holes will be drilled in the skull. It may be necessary to cut some of your hair. During the procedure, you must remain awake and attentive to any simple instructions from the doctor treating you, as the implanted electrodes will record brain activity to allow for precise electrode placement. 
    • On the same day, after the electrodes have been placed inside the brain, you will be given general anesthesia so that the neurostimulator (pacemaker) can be implanted. An incision will be made in the chest, below the collarbone. A pocket will be created under the skin to accommodate the neurostimulator. Finally, the brain electrodes will be connected to the neurostimulator. Both the neurostimulator and the cables that connect it to the electrodes will be placed under the skin. 
  • After the procedure:

    After the surgery, the incisions on the scalp and chest will be closed. You may need to stay in the hospital for a few days to monitor your recovery. You will be given instructions on how to care for the incisions and what signs of infection to watch for. An appointment will also be scheduled to activate and program the neurostimulator. 

Recommendations for the procedure 

Remember that it is important to adhere to the following recommendations to ensure the quality of the test and your comfort: 

  • Incision care: follow your doctor’s recommendations on how to care for the incisions after surgery. 
  • Report allergies: it is crucial to inform the medical staff if you have a known allergy to any metal or any other material used in the procedure. 
  • Report medications: it’s important to tell your doctor about all the medications you’re taking, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements. 
  • Stop taking certain medications: you may need to stop taking certain medications before surgery, such as blood thinners. Follow your doctor’s instructions. 
  • Preoperative instructions: follow all instructions provided by your doctor or hospital staff carefully. 

Are there any risks?  

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is generally considered safe, but like any surgical procedure, there are some minor risks to consider: 

  • Infection: as with any prosthesis placed in an organism, there is a risk of infection at the incision site or around the electrodes or generator; the risk is very small and is minimized with antibiotic treatment. 
  • Hemorrhage or stroke: there is a risk of bleeding in the brain during electrode placement, which is around 1%; in older patients, those with hypertension, or those taking certain medications, it may be more frequent. 
  • Hardware-related complications: hardware problems can occur, such as electrode displacement or cable breakage, but this is infrequent if proper precautions are taken. 
  • Side effects: stimulation-related side effects may occur, such as speech problems, balance problems, mood changes, or cognitive problems; these problems can usually be resolved by appropriately adjusting the programming. 

To ensure your procedure runs smoothly, we ask that you arrive before the scheduled time. This will allow us to complete the necessary administrative and clinical preparation. 

Before the procedure, we will give you the Informed Consent form, a document with important information that you must read and sign. 

If your appointment is for an MRI, it is crucial that you inform us about the presence of pacemakers, metallic objects, prostheses (including dental prostheses), tattoos, or drug infusion devices such as insulin pumps. 

These diagnostic tests are very safe, but as with any medical procedure, there is still the unlikely possibility of an incident. 

Do you need to undergo this procedure?
Make an appointment

facebookinstagramlinkedinxyoutubetravelgroupcalendar_todaysearchmenuclosetroubleshootarrow_up