Brain Stimulator Surgery (Parkinson’s)

The brain is the control center of our body and operates through a complex network of electrical activity. Disruptions in this activity can lead to neurological disorders such as Parkinson's disease, epilepsy, and dystonia. The brain stimulator is an advanced treatment method used to control the symptoms of these disorders and improve quality of life.

Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS), also known as a brain stimulator, is a treatment method aimed at reducing symptoms of neurological diseases by sending electrical impulses to specific areas of the brain. In this procedure, thin electrodes are placed in the brain and connected to a pulse generator implanted in the chest area. The pulse generator sends regular electrical impulses to the brain through the electrodes, regulating brain activity and helping to control symptoms.

The brain stimulator regulates abnormal electrical activity in the brain, much like a pacemaker regulates heart rhythm disorders. Electrodes placed in the brain send electrical impulses to specific areas. These impulses reduce symptoms by suppressing abnormal brain activity or stimulating normal brain activity.

Deep brain stimulation can be used in the treatment of the following neurological diseases:

• Parkinson's disease: Effective in reducing motor symptoms such as tremor, rigidity, and bradykinesia.

• Essential tremor: Used to reduce involuntary tremors in the hands, arms, head, and voice.

• Dystonia: A movement disorder causing involuntary muscle contractions and abnormal postures.

• Epilepsy: Can be used to control seizures in drug-resistant epilepsy.

• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD): Considered in severe and treatment-resistant cases.

• Tourette syndrome: Used to reduce tics.

• Chronic pain: Used in the treatment of certain types of chronic pain.

• Depression: Considered for treatment-resistant major depression cases.

Deep brain stimulation surgery is performed in two stages:

• Electrode placement: While the patient is awake and under local anesthesia, the neurosurgeon makes small holes in the skull and places the electrodes into the designated brain regions. The patient being awake during the procedure is important to ensure the electrodes are accurately positioned.
• Battery placement: A small incision is made in the chest or abdominal area, and the battery is placed into this incision. The electrodes are connected to the battery through wires passed under the skin.

Deep brain stimulation surgery is generally a safe procedure but, like any surgical operation, it carries some risks. These risks include:

Infection: An infection may develop at the surgical site or in the brain.
Bleeding: There may be bleeding in the brain.
Stroke: Although rare, a stroke may occur during or after the surgery.
Seizure: The risk of having a seizure increases after surgery.
Headache: Headache may occur after surgery.
Speech disorder: If the electrodes are placed near the brain areas related to speech, a speech disorder may develop.
Balance problems: If the electrodes are placed near the brain areas related to balance, balance problems may occur.
Mood changes: Mood changes such as depression or anxiety may be seen after surgery.

The recovery process after deep brain stimulation surgery varies depending on the patient’s overall health condition and the complexity of the surgery. Patients usually stay in the hospital for a few days and then rest at home. Physical therapy and rehabilitation programs may be applied after the surgery.

After the deep brain stimulator is implanted, its settings are adjusted according to the patient’s needs. This adjustment involves changing the frequency, width, and intensity of the electrical impulses produced by the device. The adjustment process is important to control the patient’s symptoms and minimize side effects.

Patients with a deep brain stimulator can live a normal life. However, they may need to take some precautions. These precautions are:

• Avoid magnetic fields: Strong magnetic fields can affect the functioning of the deep brain stimulator. Some medical devices like MRI may not be suitable for patients with a deep brain stimulator. However, MRI-compatible stimulators are also available.
• Keep distance from electrical devices: It is recommended to keep a certain distance from electrical devices such as mobile phones and microwave ovens.
• Be careful when passing through security systems: Security systems at airports, shopping malls, and similar places can affect the functioning of the deep brain stimulator. Inform security personnel that you have a deep brain stimulator and be careful when passing through detectors.
• Do not neglect doctor check-ups: It is important to have the deep brain stimulator regularly checked and adjusted if necessary.
• Charging the battery: If you use a rechargeable deep brain stimulator, the battery should be charged regularly.

Deep brain stimulator prices vary depending on the type and brand of the device and any additional procedures performed. For information about the prices of deep brain stimulator procedures performed at A Life Health Group hospitals, please contact us.

There are many hospitals and neurology centers in Ankara where deep brain stimulation devices are implanted. As A Life Health Group, we provide deep brain stimulation implantation services at our hospitals in Ankara. With our experienced neurology specialists, neurosurgeons, and advanced technological equipment, we achieve successful outcomes.

Parkinson’s disease is a neurological disorder that occurs due to the loss of dopamine-producing cells in the brain. It causes symptoms such as tremors, stiffness, slow movement, balance problems, and speech difficulties. Deep brain stimulation is an effective method for treating the motor symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. It can be used alongside medication or in patients who do not respond to drug treatment.

Essential tremor is a movement disorder characterized by involuntary tremors in the hands, arms, head, and voice. Deep brain stimulation is an effective method for reducing essential tremor symptoms. It can be used in patients who do not respond to medication or cannot tolerate the side effects of drugs.

Dystonia is a movement disorder that causes involuntary muscle contractions and abnormal postures in the body. There are different types of dystonia, such as cervical dystonia (neck dystonia), blepharospasm (involuntary eyelid closure), and writer's cramp (involuntary contractions in hand and arm muscles). Deep brain stimulation can be effective in the treatment of some types of dystonia.

Epilepsy is a neurological disorder characterized by seizures caused by abnormal electrical activity in the brain. Deep brain stimulation can be used to control epilepsy seizures that do not respond to medication.

In addition to the diseases mentioned above, deep brain stimulation is also used in the treatment of other neurological and psychiatric disorders such as obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), Tourette syndrome, chronic pain, and depression. However, the use of deep brain stimulation for these conditions is still experimental and requires further research.

As A Life Health Group Neurology Center, we are a facility offering advanced neurological treatment methods such as deep brain stimulation. Our experienced neurology specialists, neurosurgeons, and other healthcare professionals work together to provide you with the best care. For more information about deep brain stimulation and to schedule an appointment, please contact us.