Deep brain stimulation facts for kids

Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) is a special type of surgery where doctors place tiny wires, called electrodes, inside a person's brain. These wires can send small, corrective electric signals to specific parts of the brain. Electronic equipment, like a small battery pack placed under the skin (often near the collarbone), controls these signals. DBS is used to treat several diseases and conditions when other treatments haven't worked well.

DBS has been used to help people with pain disorder, Parkinson's disease, severe major depressive disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and Tourette syndrome. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the United States approved DBS as a treatment for tremors in 1997. Later, it was approved for Parkinson's disease in 2002, for a movement disorder called dystonia in 2003, and for Tourette syndrome in 1999. While DBS can be very helpful for many patients, it's important to know that, like any surgery, there can be serious complications and side effects.

How Deep Brain Stimulation Works

Deep Brain Stimulation works by sending gentle electrical pulses to specific areas of the brain. Think of it like a tiny, very precise pacemaker for the brain.

The Brain's Electrical Signals

Our brains work using electrical signals. Sometimes, in certain conditions, these signals can become unbalanced or send wrong messages. This can lead to problems like uncontrollable shaking (tremors) or difficulty moving.

The DBS System

The DBS system has three main parts:

• Electrodes: These are thin wires placed deep inside the brain. They deliver the electrical pulses.
• Extension Wires: These wires connect the electrodes in the brain to the neurostimulator. They usually run under the skin from the head down to the chest or abdomen.
• Neurostimulator: This is a small device, similar to a heart pacemaker, that contains a battery and a computer chip. It's usually placed under the skin near the collarbone. It generates the electrical pulses and sends them to the electrodes in the brain. Doctors can program this device from outside the body to adjust the signals.

How it Helps Brain Activity

The electrical pulses from the DBS system help to "reset" or regulate the abnormal brain signals. This can reduce symptoms and help the brain work more smoothly. It doesn't cure the condition, but it can greatly improve a person's quality of life by controlling their symptoms.

Conditions Treated with DBS

Deep Brain Stimulation is used to treat several conditions, especially when medications or other therapies haven't been effective enough.

Parkinson's Disease and Tremors

DBS is most commonly used for Parkinson's disease, a condition that affects movement. It can significantly reduce symptoms like:

• Tremors: Uncontrollable shaking, often in the hands or limbs.
• Rigidity: Stiffness in the limbs and body.
• Bradykinesia: Slow movement.
• Dyskinesia: Involuntary, jerky movements that can be a side effect of Parkinson's medications.

For people with essential tremor, DBS can help control severe shaking that interferes with daily activities.

Dystonia

Dystonia is a movement disorder that causes involuntary muscle contractions. These contractions can lead to repetitive movements or unusual, often painful, postures. DBS can help reduce these muscle spasms and improve movement control for some people with severe dystonia.

Tourette Syndrome

For some people with very severe Tourette syndrome who haven't found relief from other treatments, DBS can be considered. It can help reduce the frequency and severity of tics, which are sudden, repetitive movements or sounds.

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

DBS has also been approved for severe obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) in adults. OCD causes unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors (compulsions). For a small number of people with very severe OCD, DBS can help reduce these symptoms when other treatments have failed.

Other Potential Uses

Scientists are also studying DBS for other conditions, including severe depression and chronic pain. However, these uses are still being researched and are not as widely approved or common as its use for movement disorders.

Benefits and Risks of DBS

Like any medical procedure, Deep Brain Stimulation has potential benefits and risks.

Potential Benefits

• Improved Symptoms: For many people, DBS can significantly reduce symptoms like tremors, stiffness, and involuntary movements, leading to a better quality of life.
• Reduced Medication: Some patients may be able to reduce the amount of medication they take after DBS, which can also lessen medication side effects.
• Long-Term Relief: The effects of DBS can last for many years, providing ongoing symptom control.

Potential Risks and Side Effects

While DBS is generally safe, there are risks associated with any brain surgery. These can include:

• Infection: As with any surgery, there's a risk of infection at the surgical site.
• Bleeding in the Brain: A rare but serious risk during the brain surgery.
• Stroke: Another rare but serious complication.
• Device-Related Problems: The wires or battery might break or move, requiring another surgery to fix them.
• Side Effects from Stimulation: Sometimes, the electrical stimulation itself can cause side effects like tingling, speech problems, balance issues, or mood changes. These can often be adjusted by reprogramming the device.

Doctors carefully weigh these benefits and risks with each patient to decide if DBS is the right treatment option for them.

See also

In Spanish: Estimulación cerebral profunda para niños