Yuichiro Chino / Getty Images
What Is Deep Brain Stimulation?
Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is a surgical treatment used for movement disorders and some treatment-resistantmental disorders.
Electrodes are surgically implanted into parts of the brain where abnormal activity is occurring.
Yuichiro Chino / Getty Images
The electrodes emit impulses that manage irregular brain activity.
The generator connects to the electrodes through a wire tracing under the skin from the chest to the brain.
The electrodes usually stimulate the brain bilaterally, meaning that both sides of the brain are receiving stimulation.
Electroconvulsive therapy is used in the treatment of major depressive disorder andbipolar disorder.
Other forms of brain stimulation therapies include:
What Is Deep Brain Stimulation Used For?
Deep brain stimulation is helpful both for neurological and treatment-resistant psychological disorders.
It can treat movement disorders like the aforementioned Parkinsons disease, tremors, and dystonia.
Psychological disorders can also benefit.
For example, treatment-resistant depression can benefit from deep brain stimulation.
Treatment-resistant obsessive-compulsive disorder is successfully treated by deep brain stimulation, as well.
While deep brain stimulation is an effective treatment, it does require surgery.
For many, the stress of undergoing an elective surgical procedure may be a major deterrent.
Potential Pitfalls of Deep Brain Stimulation
Deep brain stimulation is a serious medical procedure.
For those receiving deep brain stimulation for neurological disorders, there can be negative psychological side effects.
A Word From Verywell
Living with a treatment-resistant psychological condition can feel isolating and disheartening.
Herrington TM, Cheng JJ, Eskandar EN.Mechanisms of deep brain stimulation.J.
2013;70(2):163-171. doi: 10.1111/acps.12994
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH).Brain stimulation therapies.
2013;80(6):e245-253.
2020;32(2):57-64. doi:10.1017/neu.2019.35
