Who is Deep Brain Stimulation for?

Movement disorders are neurological conditions that affect the body’s ability to control or initiate movement. Movement disorders can cause difficulties performing everyday tasks, even down to dressing, drinking a cup of coffee or using a pen. Three of the most common movement disorders are Parkinson’s, Dystonia, and Essential Tremor.

If you think you are suffering from movement disorders, your doctor will most likely refer you to a neurologist. He or she will perform a general physical examination. Most probably, further technical examinations are necessary, such as:

• Electrophysiological examinations
  Neurography, electromyography, sensory evoked potentials, MEP or tremor analysis,
• Examination of the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) to rule out an infection, 
• Imaging procedures such as computer tomography and MRI to detect structural changes in the brain or spinal cord. 

These tests may only be possible in a specialised centre or clinic. Your neurologist will advise you on this and refer you if necessary.

The diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease in particular is a diagnosis of exclusion, which means that diseases with similar symptoms must first be ruled out as the cause of the problem. In addition, it is usually checked whether the person affected responds to Parkinson’s medication such as levodopa and the symptoms then improve. Parkinson’s is a progressive disease. This means that the symptoms increase over time and after a certain point can no longer be controlled only with medication.

Fortunately, there is another treatment option in the form of Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS). This therapy is most effective when started at the right time – typically when the patient is still responding to levodopa but can no longer control motor symptoms with medication alone. This optimal period varies from person to person but is generally around four years after diagnosis.¹