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Health

Deep Brain Stimulation

Tags: Health , Neurotechnology

» More stories in Health

 

Original air date:

11.21.07

How a Tiny Electrode can Change People's Lives

Neurons use electricity to communicate to one another, but just as our electronic gadgets sometimes break, brain signals can also go a little haywire. This is what happens in movement disorders like Parkinson's disease, essential tremor and dystonia—too much activity in one brain region impairs motor skills and leaves patients unable to perform even the simplest tasks.

But luckily there is hope, in the form of a recently FDA-approved treatment called deep brain stimulation. In DBS, doctors surgically implant an electrode into the brain that regulates activity in abnormal regions using electrical impulses; an extension wire runs from the electrode to a battery pack usually implanted under the skin near the collarbone. As with any surgery, DBS is risky—but assuming implantation goes well, DBS can make a world of difference, allowing patients to do things they hadn't been able to do for years.

WIRED SCIENCE spent time with Ohio farmer Morris Porter, a soft-spoken man suffering from a debilitating case of essential tremor. When a patient with ET tries to move, parts of the patient’s body begins excessively shaking. When Porter's disorder got so bad he could no longer drink from a glass, he decided to give DBS a go. We've followed him to the hospital for his surgery to see exactly how the procedure works.

Is DBS the miracle cure that some doctors believe it is? Judge for yourself—watch our segment to see how Porter fares. Also check out our sidebar article Zapping the Brain to learn how DBS might soon be used to treat other debilitating brain disorders, like depression and epilepsy. Here on WIRED SCIENCE, we're giving you a peek at one of the most exciting recent breakthroughs in neurotechnology.

CommentsComments

27 Posts

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11.20.07 3:50 PM PST

olek

would DBS help correcting speech impediment, studering???

11.21.07 2:54 PM PST

olek

would DBS help correcting speech impediment,stuttering????

11.21.07 6:01 PM PST

dubi

Is there any foolow up?

How did Mr Porter do after his surgery?

11.21.07 7:22 PM PST

lemonsprite

How do I get information about how and where to get this procedure done? I have a family member with Parkinson,s.

11.21.07 9:03 PM PST

Meagan

Are there plans to use DBS to treat other neuro-motor problems like cerebral palsy? Have any children received DBS?

11.22.07 12:48 AM PST

Raquel Guillen

Thank you for the informative program. I need to know more about DBS -how can I get more informacion?-
I live in San Francisco. Is there a place near me where I can go for treatment and intervention? Thanks

11.22.07 6:00 AM PST

carol

Do you have any information on DBS being used to treat depression? It seems that depression medication, used over a long period of time, becomes increasingly less effective. It almost seems that the medication, while working at first, further cripples your own neurotransmitter function. If you are young when you begin to take medication for depression, your doctor's only option becomes increasing dosages which sets you up for a very over-taxed liver and organ system when you become older and may need to take other medications for different medical conditions in your aging body.

11.22.07 9:16 AM PST

diane

Are they doing any research with dbs on acquired brain injuries? Really enjoy your wired science program.

11.22.07 12:01 PM PST

Lizatari

Could it improve memory?

11.22.07 5:37 PM PST

Mark

What is the name of the surgeon-doctor who performs this surgery? And where does he practice?

You have a good show.

11.22.07 6:03 PM PST

pegwin

Thanks for the report on GBS. As a person with essential tremor since early adulthood, I'm so glad to know that there is going to be treatment for those with the more severe effects of this strange condition. That is good news.

11.23.07 6:04 PM PST

Lola Richards

Please help us. My husband had Parkinsons and we are fascinated by this procedure. Where do I turn for help?
Thanks, Lola Richards

11.25.07 5:44 PM PST

rdbowling

I had Deep Brain Stimulation for Parkinson's 6 years ago and think it's the greatest thing since sliced bread. I'm not an MD but will attempt to answer some of the questions submitted by viewers:
-Olek: Google "Deep Brain Stimulation stuttering" for information.
-Dubi: Yes. The implanted neurostimulators must be programmed following surgery in order to provide optimal results and 'fine tuned' periodically thereafter.
-Lemonsprite & others: Medtronic, Inc. manufactures the neurostimulators used in DBS. Their DBS (aka Activa) website at http://www.activadbs.com/ should answer your questions. Note they also have a physician locator at http://www.google.com/search?source=ig&hl=en&rlz=&q=medtronic+doctors+activa+.
-Meagan: Children as young as 10 have had DBS for dystonia. Google "deep brain stimulation cerebral palsy" for info.
-Carol: Google "deep brain stimulation depression".
-Diane: Google "deep brain stimulation acquired injuries."
-Lizatari: It's unlikely but I'll vote for it.

11.26.07 6:13 AM PST

Kathy Huffman

Hello, yes, you can get information concerning the Cleveland Clinic, Dr. Ali Rezai and our Center for Neurological Restoration. Please call our administrative number, 216-444-8001 and we can send information through the mail. We have had very successful clinical trials for treating both depression and obsessive compulsive disorders. We have performed over 1,000 DBS procedures for movement disorders at our site. For additional information, you can go to the Cleveland Clinic website
http://cms.clevelandclinic.org/neuroscience/body.cfm?id=54&source=homeintro

Kathy Huffman
Administrator
Cleveland Clinic Center for Neurological Restoration

11.28.07 3:46 PM PST

Jenn

i am doing a research project for science on DBS. where can i get more info on this topic?

11.28.07 3:46 PM PST

Jenn

i am doing a research project for science on DBS. where can i get more info on this topic?

11.28.07 5:42 PM PST

Rosa Miller

My husband has parkinsons. He is contemplating DBS. Has this procedure been done in Austin, TX by any of the surgeons here?

12.3.07 10:57 AM PST

Isabel Fonseca

HOW CAN I GET A COPY OF THIS VIDEO? PLEASE LET ME KNOW.
410-837-3330

12.19.07 5:53 PM PST

laurie

Anyone out there have DBS done for OCD /Depression? I would love to hear how succesful you feel it was and any negatives.

12.20.07 12:23 PM PST

Jill Winslow

Is DBS useful for acquired ataxia? I had a burst brain anerurysm l2 years
ago and have been in a wheelchair ever since.

1.21.08 12:18 AM PST

beth

I need to know if DBS surgery is right for me? I have ataxia (aoa1) and looking forward to it correcting or atleast improving my gait. THANX!!

1.28.08 1:35 AM PST

Josh

Hello, my father has Parkinson’s and had a DBS put in 2001. The day before the implant was activated he could barely push his way across a carpeted room in his wheel chair. The next day, he walked downstairs. It was nothing shy of miraculous!

People should know that this is not a cure for Parkinson’s. The disease will in time continue. My father is now in the advanced stages of the disease despite the presence of the implant. However, He also has a number of additional complicating factors. Also the implant did set back the progress of the disease by several years.

If you think you or a loved one might be a candidate, you should discus it with your doctor to try to make an informed decision. He or she should be able to refer you to a physician who can help.

2.12.08 2:12 AM PST

Regu K Doraisamy

I m now in the 11th year of my PD. Definetly very keen to know more about a possible surgery.VIP Question; At what cost???

Loking fwd to your favourable reply.

thank you.

2.27.08 8:45 AM PST

mcandia

My son had a brain injury accident in 2001 - Could this help him. If you can give any information that could help in brain injury research would be greatly help-- thank you

3.19.08 3:56 AM PDT

AP

I'm 37 now having been starved of oxygen at birth leaving me with mild cerebral palsy effecting my speech, balance and fine motor control - e.g. using cutlery, picking up a glass and writing.

When I think about my arms they twitch involuntarily.

Am I a candidate for Deep Brain Stimulation?

6.16.08 4:12 PM PDT

Brenda Brower

Is there a way to purchase the entire program on video or dvd? I remember watching it on in Nov. of 2007 and wanted to share it with a friend who was in an accident and has a brain injury.

6.29.08 2:30 AM PDT

James O. Nazario

My DBS procedure is scheduled for July 24th of 2008, by coincidence, fate or whatever else, it falls on my oldest son's birthday. a good omen perhaps, a new birth for me? I was diagnosed nearly 10 years ago. I learned about DBS through the public media and avid reading. I got serious about DBS early this year and it was almost simultaneously brought up by my new neurologist. I proceeded to do extensive research on the subject and after a few weeks informed her that I was ready to TAKE THE PLUNGE.I know I made the right decision, I am looking forward to the procedure, while tempering my expectations. I will have more for you later.

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