Deep brain stimulation

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is a treatment that can ease the symptoms of movement disorders. Examples include Parkinson’s disease and dystonia. The service has a base at the Institute of Neurological Sciences in the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, Glasgow.

What is deep brain stimulation?

A very fine wire with electrodes at the tips is surgically implanted into the brain. The electrodes send a continuous electrical pulse to the brain, which has the ability to reduce the symptoms of tremor or dystonia.

The service provides assessment, surgical intervention, post-operative care and follow-up management post-surgery. Ongoing care is given by local services.

DBS is for patients who have become refractory (non-responsive) to medical management. It aims to allow patients to decrease medication, or to make the medication regime more tolerable.

Symptoms that it helps include neurological problems, such as:

• tremor
• rigidity
• stiffness
• slowness of movement

Find further information about the deep brain stimulation service at their website.