What Is DBS Therapy?
Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) Therapy for dystonia, which uses deep brain stimulation technology, is approved under a Humanitarian Device Exemption for the aid in management of chronic, intractable (drug refractory) primary dystonia, including generalized and segmental dystonia, hemidystonia, and cervical dystonia (torticollis), for individuals 7 years of age and older.
How It Works
DBS uses a surgically implanted medical device, similar to a cardiac pacemaker, to deliver electrical stimulation to precisely targeted areas within the brain.
Continuous stimulation of these areas blocks the signals that cause the disabling motor symptoms of dystonia. The electrical stimulation can be noninvasively adjusted.
DBS System
The DBS system is implanted inside the body and includes three major parts.
- The lead is a set of thin wires covered with a protective coating. It carries the therapy signal to the electrodes that deliver stimulation to the brain. Approximately 4 inches of the lead are implanted inside the brain. The rest of the lead (about 15 inches) is implanted under the skin of the scalp. Whether you have one or two leads depends upon your medical condition.
- The extension is a set of thin wires covered with a protective coating that connects the lead to the neurostimulator. The extension is connected to the end of the lead, just behind the ear (or where your doctor decides is the best placement). The connection point between the lead and the extension is placed under the scalp. The remaining length of the extension is placed under the skin down the neck to the upper chest area and connects to the neurostimulator. For each lead, you will have one extension.
- The neurostimulator contains the power source of your DBS system. The neurostimulator generates and controls the therapy stimulation. The neurostimulator is implanted just under the skin in the upper chest area.
Sometimes called a “brain pacemaker,” the neurostimulator produces the electrical pulses needed for stimulation. These electrical pulses are delivered through the extension and lead to the targeted areas in the brain. The pulses can be adjusted wirelessly to check or change the neurostimulator settings.
Operating the System
Your clinician programs the system to manage your individual symptoms. In addition, your clinician may provide you with a small, handheld patient programmer. This programmer may allow you to adjust the system and turn it on and off. In most cases, the neurostimulator is always on.
Humanitarian Device: Medtronic DBS Therapy has been authorized by Federal Law for the use as an aid in the management of chronic, intractable (drug refractory) primary dystonia. The effectiveness of this device for this use has not been demonstrated. What does this mean?
Information on this site should not be used as a substitute for talking with your doctor. Always talk with your doctor about diagnosis and treatment information.
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