Questions and Answers – DBS Therapy

What is Medtronic Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) Therapy?

DBS Therapy from Medtronic offers an adjustable, reversible method of treatment for dystonia.

How does the treatment work?

DBS uses a surgically implanted medical device, similar to a cardiac pacemaker, to deliver electrical stimulation to the parts of the brain that control movement. Stimulation of these areas enables the brain circuits that control movement to function better.

What are the implanted components of the Medtronic DBS System?

The DBS System consists of three implanted components:

One or two leads implanted in the brain
One or two extensions threaded under the skin from the head, down the neck and into the upper chest
One or two neurostimulators, usually implanted beneath the skin in the chest below the collarbone and connected to the extension (depending on the patient, a surgeon may implant the neurostimulator in the abdomen)

Is it possible to adjust the device settings?

The device settings and stimulation levels can be adjusted noninvasively by a clinician using a programming device.

What benefits does DBS offer?

DBS Therapy for Dystonia may help control your symptoms, but it is not a cure. When you turn on the brain stimulation system, it will deliver stimulation that may decrease some or all of your symptoms. Your symptoms will return when the system is turned off.

What are the risks of DBS?

Risks of DBS can include risks of surgery, side effects, or device complications. Please refer to Benefits and Risks – DBS Therapy for more information.

What is the history of DBS?

Neurologists and neurosurgeons have used electrical stimulation since the 1960s as a way to locate and distinguish specific sites in the brain. Medtronic developed brain stimulation technology in the 1980s in conjunction with leading international physician researchers.

Medtronic DBS Therapy is currently approved to treat Parkinson’s disease, essential tremor, and dystonia. Since 1997, more than 40,000 patients worldwide have benefited from Medtronic DBS Therapy.

Does DBS cure dystonia?

There is no cure for dystonia at this time.

Humanitarian Device: The effectiveness of this device for the treatment of dystonia has not been established.

Next: Getting DBS Therapy

Humanitarian Device: The effectiveness of this device for the treatment of dystonia has not been established.

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.

Last updated: 6 Aug 2008