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What is deep brain stimulation?
Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is an evolution of two surgical procedures that
have been shown to help control symptoms of certain disorders such as Parkinson’s
disease, essential tremor and multiple sclerosis. Those surgeries, called
thalamotomy and pallidotomy, have been used to destroy certain areas of the
brain called the thalamus and the globus pallidus, respectively. However, those
procedures carry significant risks such as paralysis, loss of vision and loss of
speech and their effects are non-reversible.
DBS is a way to interrupt the activity of the thalamus or globus pallidus
without destroying those parts of the brain. With DBS, the tip of an electrode
is placed in the thalamus or globus pallidus to deliver small electrical
impulses that can help control symptoms. The electrode, which is left in the
brain, is connected by a wire to a pacemaker-like device that is implanted under
the skin over the chest. The pacemaker-like device generates the electrical
pulses that are given through the electrode. Having a DBS implanted can have the
same effect as thalamotomy or pallidotomy without destroying the brain tissue.
Therefore, there are fewer risks. Because the stimulator can potentially be
removed, the effects of DBS can be reversed if necessary.
How is deep brain stimulation being used for mental disorders?
The thalamus serves as a "relay station" for signals to and from
other parts of the brain, including the amygdala, which is involved in the
response to fear or stress. Researchers are now studying the use of DBS for
certain types of mental disorders, including obsessive-compulsive disorder and
major depression, that are resistant to other forms of treatment.
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