What Is DBS?

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is a non-medication 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 small, targeted areas in the brain.

A DBS system typically has the following parts:

		Neurostimulator A pocketwatch-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
		Patient 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 placed under the skin in the chest. After the system is in place, a health care provider uses the programmer to program the neurostimulator.