Deep-Brain Stimulation (DBS)

Deep-Brain Stimulation (DBS) : Recently, over 1.6 lakh patients across the globe have undergone Deep-Brain Stimulation (DBS), reflecting its increasing relevance as an effective treatment for a range of neurological disorders.

• About DBS : A medical procedure where electrodes are implanted deep within specific areas of the brain. Used to treat certain neurological and psychiatric disorders.

o Working : Electrodes are connected via wires to a pulse generator (similar to a heart pacemaker) implanted under the skin in the upper chest.

- The device sends mild, controlled electrical impulses to targeted brain regions.

- These impulses help regulate abnormal brain activity or correct chemical imbalances.

o Applications of DBS: Commonly used to manage symptoms in Parkinson’s disease, essential tremor, and dystonia when medications are no longer effective.

- Approved for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).

- Being researched for treatment-resistant depression and epilepsy.

- Helps interrupt faulty electrical signals between neurons, reducing symptoms like tremors and muscle rigidity.