Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS)
Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is a treatment that uses a small implanted device to send controlled electrical signals to specific areas of the brain. It may help reduce certain movement symptoms when medicines are no longer enough.
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Tremors & Movement Disorders
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What Is Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS)?
Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is a treatment that places thin wires, called leads, into targeted areas of the brain and connects them to a small device implanted under the skin, usually near the chest. The device delivers electrical signals that help adjust abnormal brain activity linked to certain movement disorders.
DBS does not cure the underlying condition, but it may help reduce symptoms such as tremor, stiffness, slowed movement or involuntary movements in carefully selected patients. It is most often considered when symptoms continue to affect daily life despite medication or when medicines cause side effects that are hard to manage.
Why Choose Baptist Health?
Baptist Health Brain & Spine Care provides coordinated evaluation and treatment for people with complex neurological conditions. For patients considering DBS, care often involves close collaboration among physicians in movement disorders neurology, neurosurgery, imaging and rehabilitation.
Because DBS requires careful planning and long-term device management, patients benefit from a team approach that looks at symptoms, goals, overall health and response to previous treatment. This helps support treatment decisions that are tailored to each person rather than using a one-size-fits-all plan.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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DBS is used for certain neurological conditions that affect movement. It is most often associated with Parkinson’s disease, essential tremor and dystonia, but candidacy depends on the exact diagnosis, symptoms and response to other treatment.
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Yes. DBS involves placing leads in specific areas of the brain and implanting a small device under the skin. Even so, it is different from procedures that remove tissue because DBS works by sending adjustable electrical signals.
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No. DBS does not cure the underlying condition. It may help manage some symptoms and improve day-to-day function in selected patients, but most people still need ongoing neurological care after treatment.
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A physician may discuss DBS when symptoms are not well controlled with medicine, when medication effects wear off too quickly or when side effects from medicine affect quality of life. A full evaluation is needed before deciding whether DBS is appropriate.
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Many patients still need medicine after DBS, although doses or schedules may change. The goal is not always to stop medication completely, but to improve symptom control in a safer and more manageable way.
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Yes. One of the main features of DBS is that the stimulation settings can often be adjusted after implantation. This allows the care team to fine-tune treatment based on symptoms, goals and side effects.
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Recovery is different for each patient. Healing from the procedure is only one part of the process. Many people also need follow-up visits for device programming, which can take time before the full benefit of treatment is clear.
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Risks can include infection, bleeding, hardware problems, pain near the implant site and stimulation-related side effects. The exact risks vary from person to person, so patients should review their medical history and treatment goals with their physician.
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