Treating tremors with deep brain stimulation
Dr. Daryoush Tavanaiepour discusses why patients should choose UF Health Jacksonville for deep brain stimulation treatment.
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Deep brain stimulation, or DBS, is a surgery to implant a device that sends electrical signals to brain areas responsible for body movement. Electrodes are placed deep in the brain and are connected to a stimulator device. Similar to a heart pacemaker, a neuro stimulator uses electric pulses to regulate brain activity.
DBS can help reduce the symptoms of epilepsy, Parkinson's disease and other movement disorders. Once surgery is complete, the DBS device is programmed in the outpatient clinic by a neurologist or epileptologist. Successful DBS allows people to potentially reduce their medications and improve their quality of life.
DBS therapy was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 2017, 2002 and 1998. This therapy is also approved in Europe, Australia, Japan and Canada.
Deep brain stimulation is approved to treat a number of conditions, such as:
DBS does not eliminate a patient’s condition; however, successful treatments will help reduce symptoms. In some cases, medications may still be required.
Before being considered a candidate for DBS, patients must undergo an extensive evaluation process. Our multidisciplinary team of neurologists and neurosurgeons work with a neuropsychologist/psychiatrist to assess patients based on their condition.
Some patients may additionally require a speech and swallowing evaluation and psychiatric evaluation for treatment of active affective disorders.
DBS is not a cure but can decrease the number and severity of conditions in many people.
The positive effects of DBS therapy may not be seen right away. It can take up to several months to completely program the device. For patients with epilepsy and dystonia, the longer the device is stimulating the better the benefits or reduction of symptoms.
DBS is typically used together with medication. Like other devices used to treat epilepsy or Parkinson’s, if seizure or tremor control improves with DBS, medicines may be lowered to lessen side effects.
Dr. Daryoush Tavanaiepour discusses why patients should choose UF Health Jacksonville for deep brain stimulation treatment.
Dr. Daryoush Tavanaiepour discusses what risks are associated with deep brain stimulation surgery.
Dr. Daryoush Tavanaiepour discusses what type of patient can benefit most from deep brain stimulation surgery.
Our community and patient programs provide great value to patients, families and loved ones. People can find support, educational materials, expert consultants and more. In most instances, these programs are offered free of charge.
Meets on the second Wednesday of each month, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. in the UF Health Jacksonville Towers, 580 W. 8th St.
Tai chi classes for patients and caregivers with neurologic conditions such as Parkinson's, stroke, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy and neuropathy.
Yoga classes for patients and caregivers with neurology conditions such as Parkinson's, stroke, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy and neuropathy.
Deep brain stimulation improves quality of life by reducing tremors.
Deep brain stimulation improves the quality of life for a patient with Parkinson’s disease.