What is
deep brain stimulation (DBS)?
Learn how DBS therapy may help reduce troublesome movement disorder symptoms and support everyday activities.¹
When should device-assisted therapies be considered
Tremor makes everyday life a challenge for patients and medications may not offer the symptom relief needed. DBS may help with symptoms to support everyday activities and tasks.
How DBS works
DBS therapy uses a small, pacemaker-like device, placed under the skin of the chest, to send electrical signals through a very thin wire (lead) to an area in the brain that controls movement. To give you relief, these signals block some of the brain messages that cause the movement symptoms.
Benefits of DBS for movement disorders
It may reduce tremor.
Studies show Medtronic DBS reduces tremor in one upper extremity, which typically includes one arm and one hand,¹ and improves the ability to do everyday activities with less tremor and less disability (as reported by the patients).¹
It doesn’t wear off while you sleep.
DBS delivers therapy 24 hours a day. It’s already working the moment you wake up.
It’s personalised for you.
Your doctor programs your DBS system to provide the best symptom control for you. As your symptoms change over time, the programming can be changed.
DBS therapy can be provided in conjunction with our therapies.
Unlike some surgeries for movement disorders, deep brain stimulation is reversible. The system can be turned off or removed, in most cases, and won’t limit your future treatment options.
DBS is an established therapy.
Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) was first developed in 1987² and now has over 30 years of clinical use, with ongoing advancements and continuous innovation.
Brief Statement:
See the device manual for detailed information regarding the instructions for use, the implant procedure, indications, contraindications, warnings, precautions, and potential adverse events. For further information please contact your local Medtronic representative and/or consult the Medtronic website at www.medtronic.com.au
For applicable products, consult instructions for use on www.medtronic.com/manuals. Manuals can be viewed using a current version of major internet browser. For best results, use Adobe Acrobat® Reader in the browser.
ADVERSE EVENTS: Adverse events related to the therapy, device, or procedure can include intracranial hemorrhage, cerebral infarction, CSF leak, pneumocephalus, seizures, surgical site complications (including pain, infection, dehiscence, erosion, seroma, and hematoma), meningitis, encephalitis, brain abscess, cerebral edema, aseptic cyst formation, device complications (including lead fracture and device migration) that may require revision or explant, extension fibrosis (tightening or bowstringing), new or exacerbation of neurological symptoms (including vision disorders, speech and swallowing disorders, motor coordination and balance disorders, sensory disturbances, cognitive impairment, and sleep disorders), psychiatric and behavioural disorders (including psychosis and abnormal thinking), cough, shocking or jolting sensation, ineffective therapy and weight gain or loss.
Safety and effectiveness has not been established for patients with neurological disease other than idiopathic Parkinson’s disease, previous surgical ablation procedures, dementia, coagulopathies, or moderate to severe depression, patients who are pregnant, or patients under 18 years.
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.
1 Medtronic DBS therapy for Parkinson's disease and essential tremor clinical summary, 2015.
2 Miocinovic S, Somayajula S, Chitnis S, Vitek JL. History, applications, and mechanisms of deep brain stimulation. JAMA Neurol. 2013;70(2):163–171.