Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is a non-pharmacological therapy that uses pulses of current from an implanted device to stimulate the brain. A DBS system looks and operates much like a pacemaker—except that instead of sending pulses to the heart, it sends pulses to the brain.

A DBS system has four parts:

Neurostimulator—a stopwatch-sized metal case containing a battery and electronics that make pulses which stimulate the brain

Leads and extensions—wires that carry the pulses of current from the neurostimulator to the brain

Controller—a remote control device that turns the neurostimulator on and off

Programmer—a remote control device that enables adjustment and fine-tuning of the pulses

The DBS leads are surgically positioned in the brain and the neurostimulator is typically placed under the skin in the chest. After the system is in place, a health care provider uses the programmer to program the neurostimulator.