Deep brain stimulation

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Deep Brain Stimulation

Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) /di:p breɪn stɪmjʊˈleɪʃən/ is a neurosurgical procedure involving the implantation of a medical device called a neurostimulator (sometimes referred to as a 'brain pacemaker'), which sends electrical impulses, through implanted electrodes, to specific targets in the brain (brain nuclei) for the treatment of movement and neuropsychiatric disorders.

Etymology

The term "Deep Brain Stimulation" is derived from the English words "deep" (referring to the deep structures of the brain where the electrodes are implanted), "brain" (the organ of soft nervous tissue contained in the skull of vertebrates, functioning as the coordinating center of sensation and intellectual and nervous activity), and "stimulation" (encouragement of something to make it develop or become more active).

Procedure

DBS directly changes brain activity in a controlled manner. The procedure is typically used when drug therapy is no longer sufficient, but it doesn't damage any part of the brain and its effects are reversible. It is most commonly used for conditions like Parkinson's disease, Dystonia, Tourette syndrome, and Obsessive-compulsive disorder.

Related Terms

  • Neurostimulator: A device similar to a pacemaker. It sends electrical impulses to specific parts of the brain.
  • Electrode: A conductor through which electricity enters or leaves an object, substance, or region.
  • Neuropsychiatric disorders: Disorders that are the result of a disease process that primarily affects the brain.
  • Parkinson's disease: A progressive nervous system disorder that affects movement.
  • Dystonia: A movement disorder in which a person's muscles contract uncontrollably.
  • Tourette syndrome: A neurological disorder characterized by repetitive, stereotyped, involuntary movements and vocalizations called tics.
  • Obsessive-compulsive disorder: A mental disorder in which people have unwanted and repeated thoughts, feelings, ideas, sensations (obsessions), or behaviors that make them feel driven to do something (compulsions).

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