In the United States, an estimated 42 million people suffer from some form of movement disorder. Common movement disorders include Parkinson's Disease (PD), Essential Tremor (ET) and Dystonia. Although medications may be helpful for these conditions, in many patients, symptoms cannot be controlled with medications alone. In such situations, their Physicians may recommend a surgical procedure known as deep brain stimulation (DBS). DBS is a revolutionary technology using an implanted device to deliver electrical stimulation to the brain to help symptoms, alleviate suffering and improve quality of life. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved DBS as a treatment for Essential Tremor in 1997, for Parkinson's Disease in 2002 and Dystonia in 2003. Deep brain stimulation has dramatically changed the lives of many patients with uncontrollable tremors. Patients often can resume normal activities, such as feeding and dressing themselves and can have active and fulfilling lives. The need for anti-tremor medications is often reduced or eliminated. Though it's no longer considered experimental, DBS is, for now, still used as a second or third-line treatment, reserved for patients with more advanced cases of the disease and those for whom medication alone is inadequate or can't be adjusted precisely enough to keep their tremors and writhing under control. However the idea of this surgery being a ""last resort"" is an evolving concept. Ten years ago Doctors were operating on only the most severe, disabled, wheelchair-dependent patients, now they are operating on patients with moderate-to-severe cases of PD, ET and Dystonia. The thought is that this trend will continue. Instead of saying ""wait another five to ten years until you become more disabled"" Doctors are realising that the earlier they use DBS, the more they can improve the quality of life of their patients.
1. A Little History on Deep Brain Stimulation, 2. How does DBS work and what can it do for me?, 3. Being Evaluated for Surgery: Do I Qualify?, 4. Choosing the Health Care Team that is Right For You, 5. Health Risks and Possible Complications in Surgery, 6. Telling Family and Friends, 7. How to Prepare for the Big Day, 8. What Should I Expect During the Surgery?, 9. I've Done it Now What?, 10. Taking Care of Your DBS System, 11. My Symptoms Are Not Under Control - Troubleshooting Your System, 12. Annual Maintenance, 13, Long Term Side Effects, 14. Frequently asked Questions, Appendices: A. Definitions/Glossary, B. Patient Support Organizations, C. List of Commonly Prescribed Medications
