Other Disorders Treated With DBS

DBS for Essential Tremor

Essential tremor (ET) is a neurological condition characterized by involuntary rhythmic shaking that typically worsens with action.  It predominantly affects the hands and arms but can also spread to the head, voice, trunk and legs.  In cases where medications have minimal efficacy (or are intolerable) and the tremor is disabling, DBS can offer substantial symptom relief.  Indeed, ET was one of the first disorders for which DBS treatment received FDA approval in 1997.  Though it is not a cure for ET or for any other disorder, it can greatly improve quality of life.

Typically evaluation will consist of consultation with one of our neurologists, our neurosurgeon and an MRI brain.  Additional testing may be done after consultation if deemed necessary.

DBS for Dystonia

Dystonia is a disorder that causes excessive involuntary muscle contractions resulting in abnormal postures and movements that are characteristically patterned and twisting.  This causes difficulty for individuals to control their movements.  It is typically worsened by voluntary movement and can even be task-specific (e.g. writing).   The exact mechanism is unclear but we know it can respond to DBS when medication fails to provide adequate relief.  Response to DBS varies but on average studies indicate about 50-60% reduction in symptoms overall and some may have more (up to 90%) depending on the cause of dystonia. 

Typically evaluation will consist of consultation with one of our neurologists, our neurosurgeon and an MRI brain.  Additional testing may be done after consultation, which may include genetic and/or neuropsychological testing.

Other Disorders

DBS may be considered for other disorders (e.g. Tourette’s, obsessive compulsive disorder, other types of tremor) and is done on a case by case basis.  Please contact our office for a consultation.