Deep Brain Stimulation

About Deep Brain Stimulation

Deep brain stimulation, or DBS, is a surgical treatment in which thin electrodes are implanted into specific, deep regions of the brain that regulate movement, such as the subthalamic nucleus or globus pallidus, and connected by wires under the skin to a small pulse generator placed near the collarbone, similar in concept to a cardiac pacemaker. The device delivers continuous, adjustable electrical impulses that help regulate abnormal brain activity responsible for symptoms such as tremor, rigidity, and slowness of movement. It is most commonly used for Parkinson's disease when medication alone no longer provides adequate symptom control or causes significant side effects, and is also used for essential tremor and certain forms of dystonia. The procedure is typically performed with the aid of imaging-based targeting and, in some cases, intraoperative testing to confirm accurate electrode placement before the leads are secured. Once implanted, the stimulator's settings can be adjusted externally over subsequent visits to optimize symptom control while minimizing side effects. India's movement disorder centres offer DBS with the neurophysiological monitoring and long-term programming support that patients, including those travelling from abroad, need before and after the implant.