What Is Deep Brain Stimulation?

Deep brain stimulation is a neurosurgical procedure that involves implanting electrodes in the brain to treat movement disorders such as dystonia, essential tremor or Parkinson’s disease. Just as a pacemaker is used for the heart, this “brain pacemaker” delivers electrical stimulation to areas of the brain causing movement disorder symptoms.

The device that controls deep brain stimulation is placed under the skin in the upper chest, and a wire travels to electrodes in the brain to deliver electrical signals.

Although the exact mechanism of deep brain stimulation is not fully understood, researchers have found that deep brain stimulation effectively interrupts abnormal brain activity, causing involuntary body movements through weakening excessive brain signals sent to the muscles.

Deep brain stimulation is not a standalone treatment, but it can significantly improve quality of life and resolve many movement disorder symptoms.

Effective Movement Disorder Treatment in New Jersey

Parkinson’s disease and other chronic movement disorders are incurable by definition, but there are effective treatments to manage symptoms of progressively worsening involuntary movements and spasms. RWJBarnabas Health facilities provide care to patients through every stage of their surgery, from patient education to intraoperative monitoring and careful follow-up care such as deep brain stimulation adjustments.

Your doctor may recommend deep brain stimulation surgery if your symptoms are not sufficiently controlled through medication management. Deep brain stimulation can substantially improve a patient’s quality of life; however, it is not a cure.

Questions? Contact RWJBarnabas for More Information

Deep brain stimulation can improve the quality of life for those diagnosed with movement disorders like dystonia, essential tremor, and Parkinson’s disease. To learn more about it or to schedule an appointment, contact the Department of Neurosurgery at RWJBarnabas Health.

Request an appointment online now or call 833-656-3876.