What Is DBS Therapy?

Medtronic Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) Therapy for Parkinson's Control is a surgical treatment proven to reduce some of the motor symptoms associated with Parkinson's disease (PD).¹

How It Works

DBS uses a surgically implanted medical device, similar to a cardiac pacemaker, to deliver minute electrical stimulation to precisely targeted areas within the brain.

Stimulation of these areas blocks the signals that cause the disabling motor symptoms of Parkinson's disease. The electrical stimulation can be noninvasively adjusted continually over time to maximise treatment benefits. As a result, many individuals may achieve greater control over their body movements.

The Medtronic DBS System consists of three implanted components:

• Lead – A lead consists of four thin coiled insulated wires with four electrodes at the lead tip. The lead is implanted in the brain.
• Extension – An extension connects to the lead and is threaded under the skin from the head, down the neck and into the upper chest.
• Neurostimulator – The neurostimulator connects to the extension. This small, sealed device, similar to a cardiac pacemaker, contains a battery and electronics. The neurostimulator is usually implanted beneath the skin in the chest below the collarbone (depending on the patient, a surgeon may implant the neurostimulator in the abdomen). Sometimes called a "brain pacemaker," it produces the electrical pulses needed for stimulation.
  
  These electrical pulses are delivered through the extension and lead to the targeted areas in the brain known to be involved with the control of movement. The pulses can be adjusted wirelessly to check or change the neurostimulator settings.

Watch DBS in Action

Operating the System

Your neurosurgeon or clinical team may provide you with a small, handheld patient programmer. This programmer lets you turn the system on and off and may also be programmed to allow minor stimulation adjustments yourself. However, in most cases, the neurostimulator is always on.

References

1. Activa Therapy Clinical Summary, 2003

Section Navigation

• About DBS Therapy
• What Is It?
• Our DBS Therapy Products
  • Activa PC Neurostimulator
  • Activa RC Neurostimulator
  • Soletra Neurostimulator
  • Kinetra Neurostimulator
  • Activa Patient Programmer
  • Access Patient Controller
  • Access Review Patient Controller
• Benefits and Risks

• Personal Stories

Additional information