Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS)

Learn about Deep Brain Stimulation, how it works, its benefits for parkinson's, dystonia and essential tremor, and find a specialist clinic nearby.

Find a DBS centre

About movement disorders

Movement disorders are neurological conditions that can be characterised by a loss of mobility or by the occurrence of involuntary movements or spasms. The causes are not always known, but they are usually located in the brain or spinal cord. They include, for example, Parkinson’s, Dystonia and Essential Tremor.

Millions of people around the world live with a movement disorder. It’s personal…and deciding how to manage and treat the symptoms is, too. We are here to help. Arm yourself with information and resources, so you can prepare for the healthiest future possible.

What is Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS)?

Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) uses a small, surgically-implanted device called a “stimulator” to send signals to a targeted portion of your brain. This stimulation can improve your motor function by reducing symptoms such as tremor, slowness, and rigidity.

DBS helps significantly reduce some of the symptoms of movement disorders such as Parkinson's, Dystonia, Essential Tremor, and improve your quality of life. For many Boston Scientific patients, this procedure has been life-altering.

Benefits of DBS Therapy

Less medication

DBS may also result in fewer medicines to take each day or reduced dosages. One year after DBS, 75% of patients reported a decrease in their medication. ¹

Improved motor symptoms

DBS patients can show an improvement in motor symptoms of up to 56% after one year. ^2.3.4

Reduction in tremor

People with tremor experience an average of 70% reduction in tremor, depending on its type and location. ⁵

Long-lasting effect

Significant improvements in motor function are sustained for at least 5 years. ⁵

Better mobility

DBS provides roughly 8 to 10 hours of “ON time,” giving you control and independence to live your life without rigidity or freezing. ^2,3,4

It’s important to understand and advocate for your treatment, whether it’s DBS or another solution. Get to know the DBS device and see how it works. Read about the results. And learn why timing is crucial when it comes to DBS implementation.

Is Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) right for you?

Before you consider DBS, you want to understand every part of the procedure and the device. Is it safe? Are there risks? What results can I expect? We encourage you to research DBS, our devices, and patient testimonials, so you’re comfortable with the solution you’ve chosen for your treatment.

Learn more about DBS

Hear from DBS patients

Every person differs in how effective Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) therapy is for them. Hear real stories from people who use a Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) system to help manage their symptoms and discover the clinical proof behind the therapy.*

„That was quite an 'aha' moment!“

Diana and Christian

„I couldn't dance properly anymore. But now I'm much more flexible again.“

Inge und Bernd

„Thank you so much for giving me my life back.“

Tony

See all stories

*The patient quotes in this material describe real personal experiences. Individual results may vary. Patients can experience different levels of pain management and different changes in their activities and use of medications. Consult with your physician to determine if you are aa candidate for this procedure and what you may gain from the therapy.

Elderly woman in the living room searches for DBS clinic on the internet with her laptop

Where can I find the closest Deep Brain Stimulation clinic?

With our clinic finder, you can locate the nearest DBS centre.

Find a DBS clinic

This material is for informational Purposes only and not meant for medical diagnosis. This information does not constitute medical or legal advice, and Boston Scientific makes no representation regarding the medical benefits included in this information. Boston Scientific strongly recommends that you consult with your physician on all matters pertaining to your health.

CAUTION: The law restricts these devices to sale by or on the order of a physician. Indications, contraindications, warnings, and instructions for use can be found in the product labelling supplied with each device or at www.IFU-BSCI.com. Products shown for INFORMATION purposes only and may not be approved or for sale in certain countries. This material not intended for use in France.

References:

1. Weaver FM, Follett K, Stern M, et al. Bilateral deep brain stimulation vs best medical therapy for patients with advanced Parkinson disease: A randomized controlled trial. JAMA. 2009;301(1):63-73. doi:10.1001/jama.2008.929.

2. Okun et al., Subthalamic deep brain stimulation with a constant-current device in Parkinson's disease: An open-label randomized, controlled trial. Lancet Neurology. 2012. 11(2): 140-149.

3. Timmerman et al., Multiple-source current steering in subthalamic nucleus deep brain stimulation for Parkinson's disease (the VANTAGE study): a non-randomized, prospective, multicenter, open-label study. Lancet Neurology. 2015. 14: 693-701.

4. Krack et al., Five-Year Follow-up of Bilateral Stimulation of the Subthalamic Nucleus in Advanced Parkinson's disease.N. Engl J Med. 2003. 349: 1925-34.

5. Farris, S. and Giroux, M. (2013). DBS: A Patient Guide to Deep Brain Stimulation. Movement and Neuroperformance Center Colorado.