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Procedures

What is deep brain stimulation (DBS)?

Medcasts editorial team

Deep brain stimulation involves implanting electrodes in specific brain regions and connecting them to a pacemaker-like device. Used for: Parkinson's disease (most common), essential tremor, dystonia, refractory epilepsy, and selected psychiatric conditions.

Who benefits: Parkinson's patients with motor fluctuations or dyskinesias on optimal medical therapy; essential tremor patients with significant disability.

Procedure: 4–6 hour surgery (often awake), planning with MRI, micro-electrode recording, electrode placement. Pacemaker placed in chest 1–2 weeks later.

Programming: device programmed and titrated over weeks to months for optimal effect.

For international care: highly specialized. Choose programs with neurology + neurosurgery + neuropsychology team and 50+ DBS cases/year. Cost ~$25–40k internationally vs $80–150k US.

This answer is general information, not medical advice. Your own doctor should confirm what applies to your case.

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