Deep Brain Stimulation Surgery (DBS)

Symptom Relief for Epilepsy, Tremor, and Other Movement Disorders

If you have a movement disorder, such as tremors or Parkinson’s disease, you know living with the symptoms is difficult.

Your doctor may prescribe medications to treat these symptoms. But medications may not always work well. They can become less effective over time and may interfere with your normal activities.

What is Deep Brain Stimulation Surgery?

Deep-brain stimulation (DBS) is an alternative if medications and other treatments don’t provide the relief you need. Our neurosurgeons at Baystate Health are the only providers in western Massachusetts who offer DBS.

Traditionally, neurosurgeons have had to use a large metal frame, secured to the surgical table, to immobilize the patient’s head during DBS surgery. However, Baystate Health is one of the few places in the country to use a frameless technique during DBS surgery. This frameless technique has several benefits, including:

• Faster recovery
• Greater comfort
• More personalized approach to surgery

What Is DBS Surgery?

DBS is a surgical procedure that’s been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, essential tremor, epilepsy, and dystonia. While it’s not a cure, DBS may make a remarkable difference if you’re living with challenging symptoms.

During the procedure, we’ll implant thin electrodes in your brain. We’ll connect these electrodes to a battery placed in your chest, similar to a pacemaker. The device sends electrical impulses to a specific part of your brain to block the brain signals that are causing your symptoms.