Deep Brain Stimulation for the treatment of Movement Disorders, Epilepsy and OCD
DBS Therapy is indicated for five disease types: Parkinson’s disease, Dystonia, Essential Tremor, Epilepsy and OCD. DBS Therapy uses a surgically implanted medical device, similar to a cardiac pacemaker, to deliver carefully controlled electrical stimulation to precisely targeted areas in the brain. The implanted system is then programmed to customize therapy for the patient.
DBS for the treatment of Parkinson’s Disease
Deep brain stimulation (DBS) safely and effectively manages tremor, rigidity, and bradykinesia/akinesia associated with Parkinson's disease when levodopa-induced on/off state fluctuations start affecting the quality of life. Consider deep brain stimulation when a patient has symptoms of levodopa-responsive Parkinson's disease of at least 4 years' duration that are not adequately controlled with medication.
DBS for the treatment of Essential Tremor
Deep brain stimulation has also been shown to reduce tremor in the upper extremity that is associated with essential tremor.1If medications are not working adequately and the tremor constitutes a significant functional disability, deep brain stimulation may be an option.
DBS for the treatment of Dystonia
DBS Therapy for dystonia is CE approved for the aid in management of chronic, intractable (drug refractory) primary dystonia, including generalized and/or segmental dystonia, hemidystonia, and cervical dystonia (torticollis), in patients 7 years of age or above, who experience severe involuntary muscle contractions that force certain parts of the body into repetitive, twisting movements or painful postures. Although dystonia has no cure, there are a number of treatments available for finding relief. One option for those who are 7 years of age or above with chronic, treatment-resistant primary dystonia may be deep brain stimulation.
DBS for the treatment of Epilepsy
Deep Brain Stimulation Therapy for Epilepsy targets the anterior nucleus of the thalamus (ANT), part of a circuit in the brain through which focal seizures are generated. Leads implanted bilaterally in the ANT provide controlled electrical stimulation to modulate thalamocortical epileptic excitability. As a result, DBS therapy reduces the frequency of seizures, including patients’ most severe seizures.
DBS for the treatment of OCD
For adult patients with chronic, severe obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) who do not respond well to medication or cognitive-behavior therapy, deep brain stimulation may provide some relief from the recurrent, unwanted thoughts and/or repetitive behaviors of the anxiety disorder.
