Groundbreaking Treatments for Neurological Conditions
Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) is a cutting-edge surgical treatment designed to help patients manage symptoms of certain neurological disorders. This highly specialized procedure involves implanting a device that sends electrical impulses to targeted areas of the brain, helping to regulate abnormal brain activity.
At California Neurosurgical Institute, Dr. Liker offers DBS as part of our commitment to providing world-class care with the latest technologies.
If you or a loved one is struggling with a neurological condition, deep brain stimulation in Valencia & Encino at California Neurosurgical Institute could be a life-changing treatment option.
Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) is a neurosurgical procedure involving the implantation of electrodes in specific brain areas. These electrodes are connected to a pacemaker-like device called a neurostimulator implanted under the skin of the chest. The device sends electrical impulses to the brain to help control abnormal neural activity. DBS is commonly used to treat neurological conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, essential tremor, dystonia, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). While it doesn’t cure these conditions, DBS can significantly reduce symptoms and improve a patient’s quality of life.
During your DBS evaluation, your neurosurgical team will review your medical history, current symptoms, and any treatments you’ve already tried. You’ll undergo a comprehensive neurological exam to assess how your condition affects your motor function, cognition, and overall well-being. In some cases, additional imaging tests, such as MRI or CT scans, may be required to identify the precise areas of the brain that need treatment. Based on this assessment, the team will determine whether DBS is your best option.
Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is a neurosurgical treatment that uses implanted electrodes and a neurostimulator device to deliver controlled electrical impulses to specific areas of the brain. These signals help regulate abnormal brain activity associated with certain neurological conditions.
DBS is commonly used to help manage symptoms associated with neurological conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, essential tremor, dystonia, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). While DBS does not cure these conditions, it may help reduce symptoms and improve quality of life.
Candidates for DBS may include patients with movement disorders who have symptoms that are not adequately controlled with medication. Individuals may be considered if tremors, motor difficulties, or other symptoms significantly affect daily activities and quality of life.
A DBS evaluation includes a review of your medical history, symptoms, previous treatments, and a neurological examination. Additional imaging, such as MRI or CT scans, may be used to help identify the precise areas of the brain that may benefit from stimulation.
DBS is typically performed in two stages. First, electrodes are placed in targeted areas of the brain through minimally invasive surgery. Next, a neurostimulator device is implanted under the skin of the chest and connected to the electrodes with wires placed beneath the skin.
In many cases, DBS surgery is performed while the patient is awake so the surgical team can monitor brain activity and optimize electrode placement. The specific approach depends on the patient’s condition and treatment plan.
DBS works by sending electrical impulses to targeted areas of the brain to help regulate abnormal neural activity. This may reduce symptoms such as tremors, muscle stiffness, and other movement-related difficulties.
Potential benefits of DBS may include reduced tremors and muscle stiffness, improved ability to complete daily activities, reduced dependence on medications, and long-term management of symptoms for eligible patients.
Many patients can leave the hospital a few days after DBS surgery. After the procedure, follow-up appointments are scheduled to program and adjust the neurostimulator to achieve the best possible symptom control.
Determining whether DBS is appropriate requires a comprehensive evaluation by a neurosurgical team. Your provider will assess your condition, symptoms, previous treatments, and overall health to determine if DBS may be a suitable treatment option.
