Deep brain stimulation

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) uses surgically implanted electrodes to deliver electrical pulses to selected brain circuits. It can reduce symptoms of certain neurological and psychiatric disorders without destroying the targeted tissue.

Stereotactic surgery: A surgical technique that uses three-dimensional coordinates to guide instruments to precise locations in the body. DBS electrodes are placed in deep brain targets using stereotactic guidance.
Parkinson's disease: A progressive neurological disorder marked by movement symptoms associated with loss of dopamine-producing neurons. DBS can reduce motor symptoms when medication no longer provides adequate control.
Basal ganglia: A group of interconnected brain nuclei involved in movement, learning, motivation, and action selection. Many DBS targets lie within these nuclei or their connected pathways.
Lesioning: A procedure that deliberately destroys or disables tissue to alter its function. DBS modulates circuits without intentionally making the permanent lesions used in ablative procedures.
Neurosurgical risk: The possibility of harm from an operation on the brain or nervous system. DBS implantation can cause bleeding, infection, or other surgical complications.
Deep brain stimulation electrode: An implanted lead with contacts that deliver electrical stimulation to a selected brain region. The electrode’s contacts determine where stimulation enters the target circuit.
Essential tremor: A neurological disorder characterized by involuntary rhythmic shaking, often during purposeful movement. DBS can suppress severe tremor by stimulating motor circuits.
Subthalamic nucleus: A small diencephalic nucleus that participates in basal ganglia circuits and movement control. It is a common DBS target for Parkinson’s disease.
Transcranial magnetic stimulation: A noninvasive method that uses magnetic pulses to induce electrical activity in the brain. It reaches cortical targets without implanted electrodes, unlike DBS.
Dysarthria: A motor speech disorder caused by impaired control of the muscles used for speaking. Stimulation can worsen speech in some people, depending on settings and electrode location.

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