How do you prepare for Deep Brain Stimulation Surgery?

• Your doctor may ask you to stop taking blood thinning medicines like aspirin or other medications containing aspirin for at least two weeks prior to surgery.
• You will be asked to stop eating anything after midnight before the scheduled surgery.
• You will undergo several  blood tests, X-rays, MRI, EKG, and anesthesia clearance tests in order to determine your health condition
• You will be given saline enemas on the morning of your surgery to wash and cleanse the rectum of any fecal matter and prepare the operating area.

What happens during Deep Brain Stimulation Surgery?

Phase I: Brain surgery

You will be provided a stereotactic head frame. Your doctor will create a pathway from an MRI for the DBS procedure. As there are no pain receptors in the brain, there will not be any feeling of pain. Your surgeon will need to numb your scalp with local anesthesia.

On the decided areas of your brain from the MRI, your surgeon will place four electrodes. The points of insertion will be made through the skull. Your surgeon will place the pacemaker under the skin adjacent to your collarbone. It is important for you to stay awake during the brain surgery. Your neurologist and surgeon will need to know whether there is correct placement of the pacemaker. They will continuously test to ensure negligible risks and side effects. You are required to stay back 1-2 days at the hospital for observation after Phase I of the brain surgery.  

Phase II: Configuration procedure

Phase II occurs 10-14 days after the brain surgery. Your neurologist will assist the surgical team. They will install the batteries for the pacemaker. Your doctors will connect the electrodes with the pacemaker.

Your neurologist will configure and put on the pacemaker as per your body's requirements after 2 weeks. You will be given a remote. Now, you will learn to have full control of your movement. You can make changes whenever you feel the need.

Your surgeon will give you general anesthesia. Yet, you will need to remain awake again. Most patients are allowed to go home the same day after this.

What can you expect after Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) Surgery?

Deep brain stimulation or DBS is not a cure but an adjustment to the symptoms of movement disorders. It takes close to 6 months for all configurations to settle. Results are not instantaneous and there are possibilities of setbacks. The best option is continuously reporting to your doctor.

What are the risks associated with Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) Surgery?  

The possible side effects associated with deep brain stimulation or DBS include-

• Seizure
• Infection
• Headache
• Insomnia
• Memory issues
• Temporary pain and swelling at the implantation site
• Configuration discomfort

• Numbness or tingling sensations
• Muscle tightness of the face or arm
• Confusion
• Weakness
• Speech issues
• Balance issues
• Lightheadedness
• Unwanted mood changes like mania and depression

Key Terminology:

• Movement disorders. They are neurological conditions like Parkinson's, essential tremor and dystonia. These conditions occur because your brain stops receiving sufficient signals.
• Stereotactic head frame. It is a three-dimensional frame that keeps your head still during the brain surgery.