====== Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) ====== Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) is a neurosurgical technique that delivers electrical impulses to specific brain areas to treat movement and psychiatric disorders. ===== Definition ===== DBS involves the implantation of electrodes into targeted brain regions. These electrodes are connected to a pulse generator (IPG) placed subcutaneously, usually in the chest. Electrical stimulation modulates abnormal neural activity. ===== How It Works ===== * Electrodes are implanted in deep brain structures (e.g., STN, GPi, VIM) * Leads are tunneled under the skin and connected to a pulse generator * Electrical pulses are delivered continuously or in cycles * Stimulation parameters can be adjusted noninvasively ===== Approved Indications ===== * [[Parkinson’s Disease]] * [[Essential Tremor]] * [[Dystonia]] * [[Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder]] (OCD) * [[Epilepsy]] ===== Experimental / Emerging Indications ===== * Major Depression * Tourette Syndrome * Alzheimer’s Disease * Chronic Pain * Addiction ===== Benefits ===== * Reduces motor and psychiatric symptoms * Adjustable and reversible * May reduce the need for medication * Improves quality of life in selected patients ===== Risks ===== * Infection * Hemorrhage * Hardware-related complications * Neuropsychiatric effects (e.g., apathy, impulsivity, mood changes) ===== Common Targets by Indication ===== ^ Condition ^ Target Brain Area ^ | Parkinson’s Disease | Subthalamic Nucleus (STN) | | Essential Tremor | Ventral Intermediate Nucleus (VIM) | | Dystonia | Globus Pallidus Internus (GPi) | | OCD | Nucleus Accumbens, VC/VS | ===== Future Directions ===== * Adaptive DBS (aDBS) with real-time feedback loops * Imaging-guided targeting and connectomics * Expanded indications through clinical trials * Integration with wearable tech and AI-based stimulation control ''DBS is one of the most impactful neurosurgical advances in functional and psychiatric neurosurgery.''