Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS)

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

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.

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