3
What Is DBS?
Deep brain stimulation is a surgical treatment for Parkinson’ s disease( PD) symptoms. It can be immensely helpful in the right person. But it’ s not for everyone, it hasn’ t been proven to slow disease progression and it’ s not a cure. As with any treatment and with Parkinson’ s disease itself, each person’ s experience with DBS is unique.
DBS was approved for Parkinson’ s by the U. S. Food and Drug Administration( FDA) in 1997. It’ s estimated that, to date, more than 200,000 DBS devices have been implanted in people worldwide. DBS involves placement of thin wires, or leads, into the brain areas that control movement. These wires connect to a battery, which delivers electrical stimulation to ease motor symptoms, like tremor, slowness and stiffness.
Currently, three companies offer several DBS devices. And research and innovation toward smarter devices, easier programming and broader symptom control remain strong. The Michael J. Fox Foundation has long invested in DBS, with over $ 14 million and counting, and a commitment to support better DBS treatment for the widest group of people possible.