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What is Deep Brain Stimulation?
Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is a surgical treatment that involves implanting electrodes within certain areas of the brain.
These electrodes deliver electrical impulses that help control the motor functions that are affected by movement disorder symptoms such as tremor, slowness and rigidity. The electrodes are connected to an stimulator (similar to a pacemaker), which is typically placed under the skin in the chest. The device produces mild electrical impulses that stimulate a specific region of the brain.
Who can be evaluated for deep brain stimulation? How effective is it?
Deep brain stimulation is used to treat a number of neurological conditions, such as:
Deep brain stimulation is also being studied as an experimental treatment for epilepsy, cluster headaches, Tourette syndrome, chronic pain and major depression.
Patients who started responding well to medications, but later have developed side effects, may experience between 60 to 80 percent improvement in such symptoms as tremor and slowness of movement. Patients on average report a 50 percent improvement in their walking and balance after DBS. Likewise, patients with involuntary movements (dyskinesia) due to their medications, may experience over 80 percent reduction in their involuntary movements. Most patients are able to significantly reduce their medications after DBS.
What are the advantages of using these devices in DBS?
Doctor Gabriel Salazar and his team at Barcelona Parkinson work with devices from Boston Scientific. These devices provide additional benefits to patients like:
Dr Salazar and his very experienced team perform all surgeries at the Terrassa Hospital (Barcelona - Spain). He has been practicing the DBS treatment for 15 years, previously in Venezuela and in the last 10 years in Barcelona (Spain). He has performed more than 150 DBS surgeries with excellent results (98,6 percent of pacients without complications occurring at the post operative stage).
Should you wish to know more about this procedure and if you could be identified as an appropriate candidate for deep brain stimulation (DBS) by Dr. Salazar, please contact us at info@medabcn.com with your request or complete our 'Contact form' today. You may also call us to the phone number +34 93 595 25 71.
Quotations for all procedures are available upon request. Please, note that some international insurance companies cover the costs of this treatment. We suggest you to verify it with your insurance provider.