Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center was the first hospital in New England to perform Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) surgery.
Deep brain stimulation is an approved treatment for patients with tremor, dystonia and Parkinson's disease when medications are no longer adequate. DBS uses a surgically implanted device called a neurostimulator — similar to a heart pacemaker — to deliver electrical stimulation to targeted areas in the brain that control movement. After surgery, the stimulator is monitored and adjusted as needed during outpatient visits. Our multidisciplinary team is experienced in all aspects of DBS surgery, including proper selection of DBS candidates, operative planning, microelectrode recording and post-operative care.
What is DBS?
Deep brain stimulation is a type of therapy that delivers high-frequency, low-current electrical stimulation to structures deep within your brain. The neurosurgeon performs an operation during which electrodes are placed in specific structures in the brain and then fixed to your skull. The electrodes are then connected by wires under the skin to a small "battery" in your chest called a pulse generator.
DBS was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for tremor in 1997, Parkinson's disease in 2002 and dystonia in 2003 (under humanitarian conditions).
Conditions Treated with DBS
Making an Appointment
For questions about Deep Brain Stimulation or to schedule an appointment, contact:
Jocelyn Gutierrez, DBS Coordinator
617-632-7246, Option 4