Deep Brain Stimulation

The Baylor Neuroscience Center, through Movement Disorders Services, provides deep brain stimulation (DBS) to treat the symptoms of a variety of debilitating neurological conditions, most commonly Parkinson's disease, essential tremor and dystonia. The symptoms of Parkinson's disease include tremor, rigidity, stiffness, slowed movement, and problems with walking.

As part of the continuum of care, neurologists and neurosurgeons on the medical staff of Baylor University Medical Center at Dallas work together to provide DBS. This surgical procedure is often used to treat patients who respond to medication, but who experience limiting side effects or declining benefit.

Before the procedure, a neurosurgeon uses magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT) scanning to locate key areas within the brain.

The neurosurgeon then surgically implants an electrode into one of these areas and a battery-operated medical device called a neurostimulator - similar in function to a heart pacemaker and approximately the size of a stopwatch - to deliver electrical stimulation to the targeted areas in the brain. Once in place, electrical impulses are sent from the neurostimulator into the brain. These impulses disrupt and block the electrical signals that cause the symptoms of Parkinson's disease.

Although most patients still need medication after undergoing DBS, many patients experience a reduction of their symptoms and, at their doctor's direction, may be able to reduce the dosage of their medications. In addition, patients who are able to reduce the dosage of medication may experience improvement in side effects, such as dyskinesias (the involuntary movements caused by the long-term use of levodopa). In some cases, DBS can suppress dyskinesias even without a reduction in medication.

Although results will vary from patient to patient, recent research shows that DBS can improve the quality of life for patients with Parkinson's disease.

For more information or a physician referral, call 1-800-4BAYLOR.