Deep Brain Stimulation Surgery

CyberKnife®

September 5, 2021

Discectomy Surgery Procedure

September 5, 2021

What Is Deep Brain Stimulation?

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is a surgical treatment administered to improve quality of life in patients with

movement disorders such as Parkinson’s disease
chronic pain including conditions such as migraines that are not alleviated by non-surgical treatments, and
obsessive-compulsive disorders.

DBS surgery is performed by inserting a device called a neurostimulator to target specific brain areas. The revolutionary device delivers tiny electrical signals to the neurocircuitry of the brain that is associated with the condition.

Deep Brain Stimulation was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1997. Since then, numerous patients worldwide have had a DBS implant surgery.

There is great success for patients that are unable to control their symptoms through medication and are candidates for DBS implantation. On average, 66% of patients reported a marked improvement in symptoms – allowing for an enhanced quality of life. Even more encouraging, patients with tremors can expect approximately 90% improvement, and those with Parkinson’s Disease can see up to 80% improvement. The reduction in symptoms also allowed some patients to reduce their medications.

When patients aren’t doing well enough on current treatments, they should be re-evaluated for treatment with DBS.

What Conditions Does Deep Brain Stimulation Treat?

Patients that have been helped by DBS treatments include those with:

Chronic Pain including conditions such migraines that are not alleviated by non-surgical treatments

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorders that are not improved my pharmacologic measures or other conservative measures

Movement Disorders:

Parkinson’s disease with unacceptable medication side effects
Medication-resistant Essential Tremor
Dystonia resistant to medication, unmanageable with Botox or requiring multiple injections
Disabling tremor, rigidity, akinesia or bradykinesia not helped by medications

What Happens During Deep Brain Stimulation Surgery at NSPC?

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) leads can be placed on one side or both sides of the brain. A battery is placed within the chest wall pocket on one or both sides of the chest, depending on the location of the leads.

Surgery is typically performed in stages:

During the first stage, which is performed under local anesthesia, the neurosurgeon places the electrodes in the brain.
About one week later, under general anesthesia, the electrodes are tunneled and the batteries are implanted. The patient is partially awake, so that certain activities can be performed and the reduction in symptoms can be observed. The patient does not feel any pain.
A few weeks after surgery, patients return to the doctor so that the stimulator can be turned on and the amount of stimulation can be properly adjusted, as needed. This is an easy process referred to as programming.

For this very specific type of functional neurosurgery, it is best to work with a physician that has in-depth experience in movement disorders and DBS implantation.

What To Consider Before Surgery

• Has the disease or symptom progression become debilitating and is it interfering with quality of life, including daily functioning and activities?
• Have you and your physician discussed all potential, non-surgical, therapeutic treatment options?
• What do you need to consider for preparatory or post-surgery care needs?
• Is there a location that will make pre/post and day-of surgery convenient for you and your caregivers?

When you meet with the neurosurgical team, ask additional questions, such as:

• Are you a surgical candidate?
• What are the potential benefits and risks of surgery?
• What will specifically happen during the procedure?

Deep Brain Stimulation Surgery is an FDA-Approved Treatment

Contact a specialist at one of our Long Island or New York tristate area locations. The experienced physicians at NSPC deliver world-class care for those living in or visiting the NY region.

Connect With Our 7 Convenient Locations

across Long Island, NY

Our expert physicians, surgeons and doctors are ready to serve you at our 7 convenient locations across Long Island, NY. Connect today to learn how our award winning, world class experts can help.

BETHPAGE
4250 Hempstead Turnpike Suite 4,
Bethpage, NY 11714
(516) 605-2720

COMMACK
353 Veterans Memorial Hwy,
Commack, NY 11725
(631) 864-3900

LAKE SUCCESS
One Hollow Lane, Suite 212
Lake Success, NY 11042
(516) 442-2250

MANHATTAN
215 E. 77th Street Ground Floor
New York, NY 10075
(646) 809-4719

PORT JEFFERSON STATION
1500-8A Route 112,
Port Jefferson Station, NY 11776
(631) 828-3001

ROCKVILLE CENTRE
100 Merrick Road, Suite 128W
Rockville Centre, NY 11570
(516) 255-9031

WEST ISLIP
500 Montauk Hwy
West Islip, NY 11795
(631) 983-8400

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