MaineHealth neurology specialists provide deep brain stimulation (DBS) services for movement disorders such as multiple sclerosis (MS) and Parkinson’s disease.
What is deep brain stimulation (DBS)?
DBS treats several symptoms that affect patients with movement disorders. Deep brain stimulation uses a medical device implanted near the collarbone. It sends a small electric current to an electrode implanted in affected areas of the brain. Some people liken the DBS system which is implanted in the brain to a pacemaker which is implanted in the heart. DBS blocks abnormal nerve signals that cause tremors and other movement problems. DBS is painless and does not hurt healthy brain tissue.
Conditions treated with DBS
Deep brain stimulation is helpful for patients whose movement disorders do not get better with medication.
- Parkinson’s disease
- Atypical Parkinson’s disease
- Essential tremor
- Dystonia
DMS side effects
Talk with your doctor about the pros and cons of deep brain stimulation. DBS is a safe treatment, but any surgery has some risks. Surgery complications can include:
- Bleeding in the brain
- Stroke
- Infection
- Breathing problems
- Nausea
- Heart problems
- Seizures
