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UW Health SMPH

Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS)

UW Health neurologists and neurosurgeons in Madison, Wisconsin, offer deep brain stimulation (DBS) to adults and children as young as seven years of age. This procedure is offered as a treatment for selected patients with Parkinson's disease, essential tremor and dystonia.
 
Deep brain stimulation (DBS) may also be a treatment for selected patients with Parkinson’s disease, torticollis, spasmodic torticollis, Tourette’s syndrome, tremor or hyperkinetic disorders.
 
UW Health Deep Brain Stimulation Program Highlights
  • Fellowship-trained movement disorders neurologist who works in conjunction with the neurosurgeons to identify appropriate DBS candidates
  • Fellowship-trained neurosurgeons with over 30 years of combined experience
  • Nurse practitioners experienced in adult and pediatric deep brain stimulation care
  • Ability to offer new options through clinical trials
  • Physicians conducting movement disorders research and bringing the knowledge from the laboratory to patient care
How does deep brain stimulation (DBS) work?
 
A deep brain stimulator consists of electrode, a lead extender and a generator. During DBS surgery, the electrode is placed into the brain through a small opening in the skull. The generator is similar to a heart pacemaker. It allows for electrical stimulation of specific brain areas involved in movement disorders.
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Conditions Treated by Deep Brain Stimulation 

What symptoms can deep brain stimulation (DBS) improve?

 

The goal of deep brain stimulation is to improve the control of movement or other symptoms. It may result in a reduction of tremor, rigidity, dyskinesia (impaired ability to control movements), or dystonia. Deep brain stimulation is not a cure for any disease and has not been shown to prevent the progression of disease. The goal of the surgery is to help control the symptoms of your condition and provide you with a better quality of life.

 

Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) Candidates

 

In general, deep brain stimulation patients should meet the following conditions:

  • You have tried a reasonable course of medications, as determined by a movement disorder neurologist.
  • You are significantly disabled from your disease.
  • You are in reasonably good health.
  • You do not require routine MRI scans of the body.
  • You can participate in the programming of the device once implanted. This requires you to provide feedback during programming sessions and to attend clinic visits.
  • You have a good support network of family and friends.