What is deep brain stimulation surgery?
Deep brain stimulation (DBS) uses electrical pulses to stimulate an area of the brain. This can change the activity in that area of the brain. You will need surgery to implant the devices that stimulate the brain.
Most often, DBS is used to relieve symptoms of Parkinson's disease when they can't be controlled by medicines. But it can also be used for other conditions, such as multiple sclerosis and obsessive-compulsive disorder.
The devices are implanted in two steps. First, your doctor will drill two small holes in your skull. Then he or she will place tiny wire electrodes in your brain. You may be awake during the surgery so that you can help the doctor place the electrodes where they will work best. But your doctor might also use a type of imaging (MRI) to help place the electrodes.
It may seem scary to be awake during this surgery. But your scalp will be numb. You won't feel any pain.
The second step is to implant a small, battery-powered generator. It's placed under the skin of your chest near your collarbone. This device is then connected to the electrodes in your brain. To do this, the doctor will use a small wire that runs under your scalp and skin. You won't be awake for this surgery.
After the surgery, you will have a short hospital stay. The generator will be turned on before you go home.
Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor if you are having problems. It's also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take.
How do you prepare for surgery?
Surgery can be stressful. This information will help you understand what you can expect. And it will help you safely prepare for surgery.
Preparing for surgery
- Be sure you have someone to take you home. Anesthesia and pain medicine will make it unsafe for you to drive or get home on your own.
- Understand exactly what surgery is planned, along with the risks, benefits, and other options.
- Tell your doctor ALL the medicines and natural health products you take. Some may increase the risk of problems during your surgery. Your doctor will tell you if you should stop taking any of them before the surgery and how soon to do it.
- If you take aspirin or some other blood thinner, ask your doctor if you should stop taking it before your surgery. Make sure that you understand exactly what your doctor wants you to do. These medicines increase the risk of bleeding.
- Make sure your doctor and the hospital have a copy of your advance care plan. If you don't have one, you may want to prepare one. It lets others know your health care wishes. It's a good thing to have before any type of surgery or procedure.
Where can you learn more?
Go to https://www.healthwise.net/patientEd
Enter D125 in the search box to learn more about "Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS): Before Your Surgery".
