5 Things You Didn't Know About Deep Brain Stimulation

Before the approval of the Food and Drug Federation fordeep brain stimulation, there was little help availableto people suffering from various neurological disorders. However, from 1997 things changed for the better when this complicated medical procedure was accepted worldwide as a treatment for Essential Tremor.

The study of the brain and how it works has borne unbelievable fruits and led to amazing breakthroughs that were thought impossible in the past. By 2002 medical scientists and doctors were fullyconvinced that the same could be used to help Parkinson’s disease patients. This was also another victory and it was now clear that a lot more could still be achieved. In 2003 it was approved for treating Dystonia making it one of the most amazing breakthroughs in the world of science.

The surgical process involves the implanting a medical device known as a neuro-stimulator. The neuro-stimulator works similarly to the heart pacemaker. This device is small and almost the size of a stopwatch. Its purpose is to send electrical stimulation to specific areas of the brain. These impulses help to block abnormal nerve signals responsible for many disease symptoms. The stimulations to targeted brain parts also help to control movement.

In carrying out the surgery, neurosurgeons use Computed Tomography or Magnetic Resonance Imaging to scan in order to identify the exact target where the brain generates the unwanted signals. Once these areas have been identified, they are located it is then easy for them to use the neuro-stimulator to deliver electrical impulses that will block the bad signals that cause the disorders.

Although people think of this treatment as risky, over 70% of patients who undergo this process experience a great improvement in their condition. Below are five things that you did not know about deep brain stimulation.

Few complications are possible unlike in Pallidotomy and Thalamotomy as the process does not call for destruction of any part of the brain. Moreover, the electrical stimulation can be adjusted and thus can be changed as the patients’ conditions changes. This means that as the patients’ response to medication change, it is possible to make adjustments to best suit him/her without the need for further surgical operations.

Unlike other medical procedures used to treat similar disorders, DBS is not destructive. This makes it possible for patients to benefit from future therapies. For example patients treated this way can benefit from brain cell transplantations simply by turning off the neuro-stimulator.
The process can also be used to use to treat major symptoms of the fatal Parkinson’s disease. It also improves the day to day tasks and living of the patients. In cases of sub thalamic nucleus stimulation, the medications are greatly reduced.

Modern science has significantly improved the lives of people in the world today. Deep brain stimulation has given hope to millions of families for all over the world and helped their loved ones to live better lives. Contrary to people’s beliefs the stimulation treatment is relatively safe. Furthermore, theneuro-stimulator can be turned off where it causes many side effects.