Deep Brain Stimulation: Brain Pacemakers Kaitlin Abbate

What is Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS)?  Surgical treatment involving placement of brain pacemaker into the brain  Sends electrical impulses to various places in the brain Changes the brain activity that was previously happening so it becomes more normal

Components of the Pacemaker  Implanted Pulse generator (IPG) Encased in titanium Sends impulses to area of brain to interfere with neural activity Generally placed near clavicle  Extension Connects leads to IPG Runs from head, down neck, behind ear, and to IPG in chest  Leads Coiled wire insulated in polyurethane with four platinum electrodes Lead to the specific targeted site of brain

The Pacemaker

What does it treat?  Many movement disorders Tremor Dystonia Parkinson’s disease Tourette syndrome  Also, affective disorders Major Depression Chronic pain  However, it is not anywhere near 100% effective yet for any of the above disorders

For Parkinson’s Disease  Tremor, rigidity, postural instability  Controls symptoms so medication is not needed anymore  Mostly targets subthalamic nucleus and globus pallidus inerna parts of brain where tremors generally occur  Pacemaker intended to stop tremor before it begins and control the brain activity

Major Depression  No evidence to support the idea that DBS helps depression  However, there was a study with 6 patients Implanted electrodes into frontal cortex of brain When current turned on, 4 out of 6 patients reported “black cloud lifting” and were more alert Patients were previously resistant to meds and psychotherapy

Complications/Side Effects  Most common side effects (may only be temporary): Apathy Hallucinations Compulsive gambling Hypersexuality  Brain shifts during surgery Potential for electrodes to be displaced  Can lead to personality changes

So, is it worth it?  Well, no one is really sure that pacemaker actually works Placebo Effect possibly  Very different from heart pacemaker Heart pacemaker either works or doesn’t Brain is more complex in the way that it is more prone to a lot of change especially with age  In conclusion, there is a lot of controversy Mostly ethical reasons

Sources  "Brain Pacemaker at AllExperts." Expert Archive Questions. Web. 25 Apr  "Deep Brain Stimulation." Wikipedia, the Free Encyclopedia. Web. 25 Apr  Stein, Rob. "The Potential of 'Brain Pacemakers'" Washington Post (2004). Print.