Neurosurgery with Deep Brain Stimulation

In many patients reduction in medication parallels the increase in the therapeutic electric current

Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS), Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS) and Occipital Nerve Stimulation (ONS) are all forms of Neuromodulation. They can be highly effective forms of treatment for a range of conditions from Parkinson's Disease and tremor to chronic neuropathic pain and cluster headache.

As King's Consultant Neurosurgeon, Mr Keyoumars Ashkan explains in his article, 'What is Neuromodulation', "Neuromodulation is one of the most exciting emerging techniques in neurosurgery and is a powerful technique to treat patients with neurological conditions such as Parkinson's disease, tremor, dystonia, intractable pain and headaches."

Mr Ashkan describes how the new neurosurgical technique involves the use of electricity, delivered into specific areas including:

• parts of the brain,
• spine or the
• nerves

The objective is to change the electrical activity and therefore the function of tissues in these targets. 

Neuromodulation is now being used to treat a whole spectrum of medical conditions. The methodology is modified for each patient so that the therapeutic effect is tailored for each individual patient.

Following the insertion of the device, for DBS the system is swtitched on using external programming a few days after surgery. Initially set to deliver only a low current which is then gradually increased in the out-patient clinic over the subsequent weeks until the optimal current is reached. In many patients reduction in medication parallels the increase in the therapeutic electric current.