What Is Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS)?

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is a surgical procedure that treats movement disorders. DBS is sometimes called neuromodulation or a brain pacemaker. The symptoms of some movement disorders are caused by abnormal signals from the brain to other parts of your body. DBS overides these signals.

Deep brain stimulation relies on an implanted neurostimulator that is similar to a cardiac pacemaker. When activated, the neurostimulator provides continuous high frequency electrical stimulation to the part of the brain responsible for your movement disorder.

Neurosurgeons began implanting deep brain stimulators for movement disorders in the 1980s.