One of the most revolutionary and even life-saving treatment options for patients with movement disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), or epilepsy is Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS).
The Ayer Neuroscience Institute has a dedicated team of neurosurgeons with advanced training in DBS and decades of experience who regularly perform this surgical procedure that dramatically decreases symptoms and restores quality of life.
Since our DBS program began in 2017, we have treated more than 400 patients. Our level of experience ranks in the top 2.7% of all DBS implanting centers in the nation, as per current data from one of the global leaders in deep brain stimulation therapy.
Your neurologist will talk to you about whether DBS is an option for you.
How Deep Brain Stimulation Works
DBS involves implanting electrodes in your brain that connect to a pacemaker-like battery implanted in your chest. Electrical impulses are sent from the battery to stimulate a targeted area in your brain, altering activity there and stopping unwanted movement.
DBS is different from other surgical procedures used to treat epilepsy, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and movement disorders because it does not destroy brain tissue. The stimulation level can also be adjusted, and the procedure is completely reversible if necessary.
Two separate surgical procedures are needed to launch DBS therapy. In the first step, neurosurgeons implant electrodes into a predetermined part of your brain. A few weeks later, in a second surgery, they implant the battery-powered device in your chest and connect the electrodes to the device with a thin wire.
About a month later, in an office visit, your neurologist or psychiatrist will program the battery-powered device. You may need several programming sessions to find the best level of stimulation to relieve your symptoms.