- What is Deep Brain Stimulation?
- When is Deep Brain Stimulation used as a form of treatment?
- Are there different types of deep brain stimulation?
- Approximately how much will the deep brain stimulation surgery cost?
- What are the risks to undergoing deep brain stimulation?
- What should I expect after deep brain stimulation surgery?
What is Deep Brain Stimulation?
Deep Brain Stimulation considered a breakthrough treatment for movement disorders, this procedure implants electrodes in specific brain areas to generate electrical impulses. These impulses stimulate brain cells to release hormones or regulate abnormal brain activity.
When is Deep Brain Stimulation used as a form of treatment?
This procedure is used to treat conditions which produce uncontrollable, abnormal movements, such as:
- Parkinson’s disease
- Essential tremors
- Tourette’s syndrome
- Dystonia
- Epilepsy
- Obsessive compulsive disorder
Currently, it is also being successfully experimented with as a treatment for conditions such as depression, addiction, dementia, and stroke recovery.
Doctors consider deep brain stimulation for these conditions when medical management fails to improve symptoms.
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Types :
There are currently four different types of Deep Brain Stimulation being practiced in terms of the location where the electrodes are placed. They are:
- Sub thalamic nucleus (STN) – this is thought to be the most effective in terms of the range of symptoms. It is by the most effective form for the treatment of gait and balance. Patients who undergo STN stimulation sometimes experience double vision, paresthesia, nausea, muscle contraction as well as mood changes as side effects. It is most commonly used worldwide.
- Globus Pallidus – is an effective tool against the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. It is extremely effective against dyskinesia, which is involuntary movements or tics. But compared to STN stimulation, globus pallidus is not as potent in relieving symptoms.
- Thalamic – is effective only for patients exhibiting tremors and possibly rigidity and is therefore limited in its use. Thalamic stimulation also poses higher risks of voice, speech and swallowing complications.
- Pedunculopontine nucleus – is a newer technique showing great promise to relieve gait and balance problems for patients with Parkinson’s disease.
Choosing which method of stimulation will be suitable for each patient depends on factors such as the condition they are suffering from, symptoms the patient is displaying as well as the skill level of the surgeon.
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Approximately how much will the deep brain stimulation surgery cost?
Although it has been shown to be extremely beneficial to patients suffering from various motor disorders, the surgery itself and the post-operative care is very expensive. The surgery costs roughly about $22,000 and added to this is the additional cost of battery replacement of the neurotransmitter, which adds another $8,000 -$10,000 to the total cost.
Although it is considered a breakthrough treatment for motor dysfunction, it carries several risks, including:
- Infection, because it requires opening up of the cranial cavity for placement of the leads, and there is always the risk of causing infection to the brain matter itself or to the meninges which surround the brain, leading to meningitis.
- It can lead to problems in concentration
- It can cause problems with speech or vision
- Can lead to headaches which are caused by the leakage of cerebrospinal fluid following the surgery
- You might experience shock like sensations from time to time
- There may temporary tingling sensations which can occur in face, upper limbs or lower limbs
- In rare cases, patients may develop allergic reactions to the implanted components of the deep brain stimulation system.
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