Deep brain stimulation, also known as brain stimulator or DBS, deep brain stimulation, is a surgical procedure in which a small electrode is implanted to stimulate specific regions of the brain.
This electrode is connected to a neurostimulator, which is a kind of battery, that is implanted under the scalp or in the collarbone area.
- This surgery.
- Which is performed by the neurosurgeon.
- Has led to an improvement in many neurological diseases.
- Such as Parkinson’s disease.
- Alzheimer’s disease.
- Epilepsy and certain psychiatric diseases.
- Such as depression and obsessive-compulsive disorder (ODO).
- But is indicated.
- Only for cases where there was no improvement with the use of medications.
The main diseases that can be treated are
The electrical impulses of this technique stimulate regions of the brain, such as the subthalamic nucleus, which help to control movement and improve symptoms such as tremors, stiffness and difficulty walking and, therefore, Parkinson’s disease is the disease most treated by surgery of the stimulation. deep brain.
Patients taking this therapy may also benefit from improved sleep, the ability to swallow food and smell, functions that are altered by the disease, and it is also possible to reduce the dose of medications used and avoid their side effects.
Deep brain stimulation surgery has also been tested and used to try to regress the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease, such as forgetfulness, difficulty thinking and behavioral changes.
In the first results, it has already been observed that the disease remains stationary for longer, and in some people its regression could be noticed, thanks to the better results presented in the reasoning tests.
This technique has already been tested for the treatment of severe depression, which does not improve with drug use, psychotherapy and electroconvulsivity, and it is possible to stimulate the region of the brain responsible for improving mood, reducing symptoms in most patients. . who have already done this therapy.
In some cases, with this treatment, it is also possible to decrease the compulsive and repetitive behavior that exists in ODO, as well as being a promise to reduce the aggressive behavior of some people.
Diseases that cause changes in movement and cause involuntary movements, such as essential tremors and dystonia, for example, have excellent results with deep brain stimulation because, as in Parkinson’s disease, brain regions are stimulated to control movement, in people who do not improve with drug use.
Thus, we can already see the improvement in the quality of life of many people who have undergone this therapy, mainly by allowing them to walk more easily, control their voice and be able to perform certain activities that were no longer possible.
Although the region of the brain affected by epilepsy varies by type, it has already been shown to decrease the frequency of seizures in people who have undergone treatment, facilitating treatment and reducing complications for people with epilepsy.
Implantation of the neurostimulator device in the area of the brain responsible for appetite can treat and decrease the effects of eating disorders, such as obesity, lack of appetite control, and anorexia, in which the person stops eating.
Thus, in cases where there is no improvement with pharmacological or psychotherapeutic treatment, deep stimulation therapy is an alternative that promises to help in the treatment of these people.
Deep brain stimulation appears promising for treating people addicted to chemicals, such as illicit drugs, alcohol, or cigarettes, that can reduce and prevent addiction.
This surgery requires expensive equipment and a highly specialized medical team, which can cost around R$100,000,000, according to the hospital. Selected cases, when sent to hospitals where this technique is available, can be performed by the SUS.
This therapy can also improve the healing of stroke sufferers, which can reduce sequelae, relieve chronic pain, and even help with the treatment of Tourette’s syndrome, in which the person has uncontrollable motor and vocal tics.
In Brazil, this type of surgery is only available in large hospitals, especially in capitals or large cities, where neurosurgery centers are equipped, as it is an expensive and scarcely available procedure, this therapy has been reserved for people with serious illnesses that they do. does not respond to drug treatments.