A brain surgery while I’m awake? That sounds like a science fiction novel to most of us. However, it’s now a reality with DBS.
What is Deep Brain Stimulation?
Deep Brain Stimulation, or DBS, is a brain surgery designed to help improve the symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease, Dystonia, Essential Tremor, and other neurological conditions by using a pacemaker for the brain. With our focused multidisciplinary team and testing procedures, we are able to determine which patients will benefit most. Once a patient is deemed to be an optimal candidate for DBS, surgery is scheduled. Depending on the patient’s diagnosis and treatment plan, 2 or 3 surgeries will be required.
How does DBS actually work?
DBS works by delivering electrical impulses through an electrode implanted into a specific region of the brain. The DBS electrode is implanted by a skilled neurosurgeon in the operating room. The surgeon utilizes MRI and CT imaging, along with recordings of the brain during surgery. The electrode is then attached to an external wire that is tunneled below the skin and connected to a battery placed under the clavicle. The battery, similar to a pacemaker, provides the power that sends stimulation to the electrodes. An external programmer is used to adjust settings through the battery, allowing a neurologist to tailor the programming to each patient’s specific needs and goals.
DBS helps patients reach their goals
Some patient’s goals are the small victories. Perhaps to move more quickly, walk with better balance, eliminate a tremor that keeps them awake at night. Some patients would like to simply cut down on medications and spend the saved time enjoying the day with a loved one. 
Others have loftier goals. Our patient Drew H. wanted to be able to enjoy the freedom to continue his history of being a skilled triathlete. Drew had competed in triathlons since he was a young adult. At 49 years old, after experiencing some troubling symptoms, he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. Drew was put on a medication regimen. Unfortunately, fainting spells and other side effects made him wary of his decision. He opted to try a non-drug treatment for his disease. That treatment was DBS. Drew was very thorough in his research on DBS. In April 2014, he made the decision to undergo DBS surgery with Dr. Brian Kopell, Director of the Center for Neuromodulation at Mount Sinai. One of the foremost DBS surgeons in the country, Dr. Kopell was excited to work with Drew. He knew he could have great results. After a successful 3 stage surgery in July 2014, Drew began his DBS programming with Dr. Ritesh Ramdhani in the Robert and John M. Bendheim Parkinson and Movement Disorders Center at Mount Sinai. Dr. Ramdhani, a skilled programmer, spent his time with Drew optimizing his settings and medications in order to give him the best results possible. Between the programming and Drew’s positive outlook, these sessions were a success. In October of 2014, 3 months after surgery, Drew and his son rode their bikes in the Swiss Alps, including nearly 20 miles up the Klausen Pass mountain range. Drew is now planning on competing in the Mont Tremblant 70.3 Half Ironman triathlon. DBS did not turn Drew into a triathlete, but it did help him return to the more normal quality of life he had prior to Parkinson’s disease. The DBS team at Mount Sinai has that exact goal in mind. To help you have a better quality of life.