What is the success rate of the Deep Brain Stimulation?

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is a surgical procedure performed on the brain by inserting electrodes to produce charges that control irregular impulse and these charges influence some chemicals and brain cells. 

Deep brain stimulation surgery offers solutions to disorders acquainted with movements such as the essential tremor, dystonia,  epilepsy, Parkinson’s disease (PD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and other neurosurgical or neuropsychiatric conditions. Though, deep brain stimulation is used when patients are no longer responding to medications.

WHY IS A DEEP BRAIN STIMULATION DONE?

Deep brain stimulation is done for many reasons from diagnosis of symptoms that can be present for some patients to proffering treatment plans. The symptoms present for the disorders to which the deep brain stimulation is used are emphasized below:

Parkinson’s Disease:

Symptoms associated with Parkinson’s disease are listed below:

1. Walking abnormally.
2. Stiffness of the body.
3. Tremor.
4. The reduced pace of walking.

Dystonia:

The dystonia affects the muscles greatly, the symptoms are shown below:

Anxiety or any form of stress, or certain actions results in the contractions of the muscle in any part of the body.

Epilepsy:

1. Confusion.
2. Temporary unconsciousness.
3. Fear.
4. Tremor.

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD):

1. Aggressive reasoning.
2. Excess cleaning for fear of dirt.
3. Phobia for germs.
4. Fear of inaccuracy.

A device is known as the “Brain pacemaker” or the “Neurostimulator” is responsible for regulating the stimulation during the deep brain stimulation which is always implanted beneath the skin just in the upper region of the chest.

ELIGIBILITY FOR DEEP BRAIN STIMULATION

Patients that are liable to undergo deep brain stimulation surgery must have a disorder acquainted with the movement and the patient is no longer responsive to medications administered by the doctor.

This case involves medication wearing off before the period of the next dosage. Also, the body getting used to the drugs causing a defect known as “Dyskinesias“. It is noted that deep brain stimulation might not help a patient with depression.

PREPARATION FOR A DEEP BRAIN STIMULATION

The patient is expected to bathe with antibacterial soap the morning of the surgery all dressed in comfortable wears and shoes without jewelry or any valuables. Also, the doctor instructs if any medications are allowed. Then, the list of all the medications taken should be given to the doctor for proper prescription.

Eating any food and drinking water or any liquid is restricted alongside a Parkinson’s drug after midnight on the day of the surgery. A good night’s rest is also mandatory.

DEEP BRAIN STIMULATION PROCEDURE

• Before the Procedure:

On the day of the surgery, the patient is to confirm consent by signature to give the doctor full approval to perform the surgery as the surgery is a very risky procedure. Also, the patient is to relate all medical history comprising of reactions, allergic reactions, operations, and surgeries, though, series of tests may be conducted few days before the surgery.

The patient will need to clear with the cardiologist for cases of previous heart conditions. Anti-inflammatory medications, blood thinners are to be avoided seven days before undergoing the surgery. Also, alcohol is prohibited a week before and two weeks after surgery to prevent problems associated with irregular bleeding issues and disrupt the healing process.

Before deep brain surgery, it is appropriate to ensure the patient is safe and eligible for the test. Brain studying such as the MRI will also be required to pinpoint areas where the electrodes are to be implanted in the brain.

• During the Procedure:

The deep brain stimulation begins with the attachment of a frame to the head with the velcro straps where local anesthesia is administered to the patient through 4 sites to numb pains and make the patient comfortable a little.

Then the brain study begins with the aid of an image scan of the brain utilizing mostly a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT) scan. 

Coordinates of the brain where the electrodes are to be implanted are mapped out in 3-D by indicating markers in a localizing device that has the shape of a box. 

The magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT) scan helps to determine the electrode’s trajectory. Afterward, the patient lies on the table where the temporary frame will be firm on the head to restrict movement while implanting the electrodes. 

Sedatives are injected also as the patient will be conscious to relax the patient when the incision on the skin kicks off. During this stage, the incision can be paused for communication between the surgeon and the patient.

The patient’s hair is removed around the region where the incision is made to make the skull visible. Holes are made by drilling into the left and right corners of the skull with a driver. After boring the holes, the electrodes are inserted into the brain. The scan guides the exact placement of the electrodes.

Series of tests are done to confirm the accuracy of the placement such as counting of numbers, raising of legs or hands, and listening to the recording electrode for certain nerve cells. All these are monitored on a monitor indicating the wavelengths. This procedure needs to be done to both the left side and right side of the brain.

When those specific nerves are identified, the electrodes are replaced with the deep brain stimulation electrode which will be inserted under the skin in the upper region of the chest.

After successful placement, a cap, plastic in nature is placed to hold the electrode placed in the bored holes. Then, the incision made is sutured and a bandage is applied for closing the hole.

• After the Procedure:

Ten days after the surgery, the neurostimulator is activated and it gives the doctor free access for optimum format. The capacity of the battery is dependent on the settings and usability. The battery can be changed if it is weak.

DEEP BRAIN STIMULATION RESULT

The DBS can not treat a disease, it only aids in the reduction of symptoms, therefore, the surgery is deemed successful if a patient’s symptoms reduce to a certain level though not fully exterminated. Some patients might require medications as a backup.

DURATION OF A DEEP BRAIN STIMULATION

The deep brain stimulation procedure takes about 5 to 7 hours to perform but it takes weeks for activation roughly 10 days.

RECOVERY RATE

The deep brain stimulation might not be successful in all cases a lot of factors such as the condition of the patient influence the recovery rate. The doctor explains these factors to the patient before the surgery and the probability of recovery. 

Therefore, the recovery rate is indeterminate as deep brain stimulation does not treat a patient but just relieves the symptoms and increases the life span of the patient.

RISK INVOLVED IN A DEEP BRAIN STIMULATION

Deep brain stimulation surgery is a risky procedure though less invasive. 

The risks accompanied by this surgery are:

1. Electrode misplacement.
2. Possible stroke.
3. Brain bleeds.
4. Infections.
5. Problems with breathing.
6. Nauseous feeling.
7. Seizures
8. Heart problem.

Also, side effects that may occur after the surgery are:

1. Headache.
2. Loss of concentration.
3. Confusion.
4. Minor pain.

SPECIALIST FOR A DEEP BRAIN STIMULATION

The deep brain stimulation is performed by a well-trained neurologist alongside neurosurgeons present in the medical team to render assistance.

COST OF A DEEP BRAIN STIMULATION

The deep brain stimulation cost ranges from $35,000 to $50,000 US Dollars.

FAQs

• How long does it take for deep brain stimulation to work?

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is a long process as it can take up to six months for the settings tried by the doctor to get to the optimum level. The DBS can be operated for 24 hours or less depending on the doctor’s prescription based on the diagnosis.

• How long does it take to recover from a DBS?

The patient can be cleared to go home on the day of the surgery while some might take longer, most likely 2 days tops.

• Who is not a good candidate for deep brain stimulation?

A patient diagnosed with symptoms of Parkinson’s plus disease can not undergo the brain stimulation operation. Also, patients whose magnetic resonance imaging or computed tomography scan does not indicate Parkinson’s disease are not permitted for brain stimulation.

• What is the success rate of the DBS?

The success rate for the DBS is placed at 51% with an extended average life span of 10 years depending on the severity of the disease before stimulation.

• Are you awake during the DBS?

The patient is awake when the deep brain stimulation is performed, though a temporary frame is placed on the head to restrict movement and local anesthesia is administered to numb all pains, and sedatives are given to relax the patient.