CANN - 55th Annual Meeting and Scientific Sessions

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is sterotactically-targeted implantation of electrodes into the deep structures of the brain. Once implanted, it serves as an opportunity for application of chronic, reversible electrical current, which is applied focally to neural elements, which helps modulated circuit dysfunction in disease. Deep brain stimulation is a surgical procedure in which a device is implanted to the brain. There are three components: the implanted pulse generator (IPG), the lead, and an extension. The IPG is a battery-powered neurostimulator that sends electrical pulses to the brain that interfere with the neural activity at the target site. There are many indications for deep brain stimulation and there is level I evidence to support the efficacy of the device for diseases such as Parkinson’s disease, Dystonia, Epilepsy and Depression to name a few. The first stage of the surgery is typically completed awake comprised of some intraoperative testing followed by stage II that consists with internalization of the device and insertion of the IPG, which is done asleep.

 A review of evidenced based journal articles will be used to discuss the following: 
1.    Surgical procedure overview of deep brain stimulation 
2.    Risks and benefits of surgery 
3.    Who are candidates for deep brain stimulation surgery 
4.    Surgical complications 
5.    Outcomes of deep brain stimulation surgery 

Deep brain stimulation surgery is a quality of life surgery that has proven effective outcomes in many realms such as decreased seizure burden in epilepsy, reduction in tremor and motor fluctuations in Parkinson’s disease as example.