Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) is a surgery where doctors put wires that can carry corrective electric signals inside a patient's brain. Electronic equipment located outside the brain can then send signals to specific parts of the person's brain. DBS is used to treat many diseases. DBS has been used to treat pain disorder, Parkinson's disease, major depressive disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and Tourette syndrome. The Food and Drug Administration approved DBS as a treatment for tremors in 1997, for Parkinson's disease in 2002, Tourette syndrome in 1999, and dystonia in 2003. DBS is helpful for most patients but there can be serious complications and side effects.
Deep brain stimulation
Questions and Answers
Q: What is Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS)?
A: DBS is a surgical procedure in which doctors place wires carrying corrective electric signals inside a patient's brain, allowing electronic equipment outside of the brain to send signals to specific parts of the patient's brain.
Q: What are some of the diseases that DBS is used to treat?
A: DBS is used to treat pain disorder, Parkinson's disease, major depressive disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and Tourette syndrome.
Q: When was DBS approved as a treatment for tremors?
A: The Food and Drug Administration approved DBS as a treatment for tremors in 1997.
Q: When was DBS approved as a treatment for Parkinson's disease?
A: DBS was approved as a treatment for Parkinson's disease in 2002.
Q: When was DBS approved as a treatment for Tourette syndrome?
A: DBS was approved as a treatment for Tourette syndrome in 1999.
Q: When was DBS approved as a treatment for dystonia?
A: DBS was approved as a treatment for dystonia in 2003.
Q: Does DBS have any complications or side effects?
A: Yes, although DBS is helpful for most patients, there can be serious complications and side effects.