Functional Neurosurgery

During DBS, our neurosurgeons implant an electrode on the brain. This electrode sends signals to help control tremors, seizures and involuntary movements caused by Parkinson disease and essential tremor.

Focused ultrasound, or high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU), uses high-frequency ultrasound to target the specific area of the brain causing a tremor. HIFU targets and damages the problem area, preventing it from sending electrical signals.

The procedure starts by using low-dose radiation to stun the part of your brain causing neurological symptoms, such as a tremor. If the low-dose beam helps the tremor, the team then turns up the frequency on the radiation beam and destroys the part of the brain causing symptoms.

Baptist Health is one of fewer than 20 centers in the country offering HIFU.

During VNS, neurosurgeons place an electrode on the vagus nerve to help control electrical signals in the brain. This procedure is most commonly used to treat epilepsy and depression. Newer devices and VNS procedures can also be used in stroke rehabilitation and to treat migraines.

During VNS, a stimulation device is surgically implanted under the skin on the chest. A wire is also implanted to run from the device to the left vagus nerve, which runs from the lower part of the brain through your chest to your stomach. When activated, the device sends an electrical signal along the vagus nerve to your brain. This alters the electrical signals in the brain.

An important part of functional neurosurgery is intraoperative imaging. We use MRIs and CT scans to track brain function during functional neurosurgery. This intraoperative imaging allows our neurosurgeons to pinpoint the exact area of the brain causing problems. We use this information to precisely deliver treatment.