Deep Brain Stimulation for Parkinson’s Disease Treatment and More

Deep brain stimulation is used to treat patients suffering from muscle tremors, stiffness, slowed movement, and partial paralysis, such as those with Parkinson's disease. Treatment provided through deep brain stimulation can block abnormal nerve signals in the brain to reduce or eliminate neurological movement disorders.

At Biotronic, our neural monitoring technologists can pinpoint the areas within the brain where electrical nerve signals are generating symptoms, including tremors and other unwanted muscle movements. To do this, an electrode, or thin wire, is inserted into the skull through a small opening. The wire monitors the activity of nerve cells in various structures of the brain, including the globus pallidus, thalamus, and subthalamus and maps these deep brain structures through electrophysiologic recordings. Our neural monitoring technologists use the information on these recordings to identify the problem areas and determine which locations need stimulation.

A neurostimulator, or battery-operated medical device, is then implanted either near the collar bone or below the chest; and an insulated wire, called an extension, is inserted under the patient's skin, passing from the head through the neck and shoulder, to connect the electrode to the neurostimulator. By delivering electrical stimulation to the problem areas of the brain, the neurostimulator device will block the abnormal nerve signals that cause tremors and other unnecessary muscle movements.

Types of Surgeries that Use Deep Brain Stimulation

At Biotronic, we use deep brain stimulation with single unit recordings to monitor the globus pallidus, thalamus, subthalamic nucleus, and the optic pathways during such procedures as:

• Deep-brain stimulator electrode placement
• Pallidotomy (used in the treatment of Parkinson's disease)
• Thalamotomy

Advantages of Deep Brain Stimulation

Deep brain stimulation does not damage healthy brain tissue and it is not limiting to the patient, as the neurostimulator can be adjusted or removed. Deep brain stimulation is a safe and common procedure used for Parkinson's disease treatment as well as the treatment of other neurological movement disorders. In addition to pinpointing the areas within the brain that cause involuntary movements, deep brain stimulation can also be used to locate nearby optic tracts.

Disadvantages of Deep Brain Stimulation

While deep brain stimulation has many advantages, there are disadvantages as well. For instance, an infection may result following implantation of the neurostimulator. And, future surgeries may be required every few years to replace the battery in the device.

Our neural monitoring technologists are experienced in deep brain stimulation for Parkinson’s disease treatment and other neurological movement disorders. Contact Biotronic today for more information about this option.