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This article is about:
How is the operation performed?
How is the postoperative period?
What is the device for brain stimulation?
Efficacy in different diseases
Life after the installation of brain neurostimulator
Where is the procedure of deep brain stimulation performed?
How much does it cost to install a neurostimulator?
Deep Brain Stimulation is a neurosurgical procedure aimed to sending electrical impulses to specific area of the brain for treating neurological diseases.
INDICATIONS
DBS procedure is prescribed for the following disorders:
- Parkinson’s disease;
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD);
- Epilepsy;
- Tourette’s syndrome;
- Dystonia;
- Tremor;
PREPARING FOR AN OPERATION
Before the deep brain stimulation surgery, the patient should undergo a series of routine examinations:
- MRI (if you have a pacemaker or other metal devices implanted in the body, this type of research is contraindicated to you.) In your case, CT is used;
- Complete blood tests;
- EEG;
- Electrocardiogram;
- Electromyography.
One week before the operation, stop taking anti-inflammatory drugs, drinking alcohol and stop smoking. 8 hours before surgery, you should stop eating food and liquids. Before the DBS operation, the doctor test for the presence of an allergy to anesthesia and conducts the instruction.
HOW DOES THE OPERATION WORK?
The first stage of the operation is carried out by a complete team of doctors: including a neurosurgeon, a radiologist, an anesthesiologist, a psychiatrist and a neurologist. The surgery lasts from 5 to 7 hours. Most of this time is reserved for setting up the device. The patient is conscious and follows the doctor’s instructions: he can move his limbs, eyes and can speak. This is necessary to ensure that the doctor is convinced of the correct installation of the deep brain stimulator. Patient does not experience any discomfort as the brain does not have nerve endings. The data is transferred to the computer,tested and when the doctors are sure that the electrodes stimulate exactly the targeted part of the brain only then the operating field is closed with a special plate and sewed together.
The second stage of the procedure is fixing the wires and implanting the generator under the patient’s skin. In this case, general anesthesia is used. The second stage is usually carried out immediately after the first or within few days. Hospitalization lasts 2-3 days.
HOW IS THE POSTOPERATIVE PERIOD?
After DBS surgery, the patient visits the clinic for several weeks. During this time, the doctor makes the final settings of the neurostimulator with the help of a special programmer. Alcohol is prohibited for two weeks after the operation. Rehabilitation lasts 3-4 days and consists of the healing of the operating area (diameter not more than 1 cm).
Postoperative complications have a probability of only 1%:
- Hemorrhage in the brain;
- Infection.
Short-term DBS side effects that may occur after installing the stimulator:
- speech, vision, coordination;
- disorientation and headache;
- depression and feelings of pressure;
WHAT DOES THE BRAIN STIMULATING DEVICE CONSIST OF?
The DBS device consists of an electrode, an extension cord and a neurostimulator. The electrode is placed in the target area of the brain, the extension cable is carried under the skin to the generator. The stimulator is no bigger than a matchbox and runs on battery or an accumulator. It is sealed and installed in the stomach of the patient or in the chest. The patient can control the device by himself using the remote control. Upon receiving the command, the stimulator sends an electrical impulse to the brain, thus controlling motor symptoms. The DBS battery lasts about two weeks. Battery life is from 1.5 to 9 years. The device may be rechargeable or non-rechargeable and the cost depends on this.
EFFICACY IN DIFFERENT DISEASES
It should be noted that DBS does not cure pathology, but only eliminates the symptoms of neurologic deficits that have developed as on course of the progression of the disease resulting in improvement of prognosis after DBS . The method significantly improves the life quality of patients, but can not replace medical therapy (although reduces the number of medications taken) and observations from a neurologist.
It is one of the efficient treatment method for Parkinson’s disease. The efficacy of Deep Brain Stimulation in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease is about 98%. The patients feel better already in the first few hours after the operation. Speech becomes more connected, tremor disappears and coordination is restored. After several days, patients note improvement in overall health, normalization of sleep and the absence of pain.
In the treatment of epilepsy with DBS, the number of seizures is halved in 80% of patients.
In the treatment of tremor, about 90% of patients noted a significant improvement in their condition. Of these patients, tremors in 60% of patients completely disappeared proving high DBS success rate.
LIFE AFTER INSTALLING THE BRAIN NEUROSTIMULATOR
The device should be switched on round the clock. The patient himself controls the work of the neurostimulator, setting the device on a desired regimen. The stimulator does not cause any inconvenience – it is invisible under the clothes. The use of a neurostimulator along with a pacemaker is allowed. It should be noted that no gadgets, as well as electromagnetic waves and microwave oven does not affect the work of the stimulator. When you pass control at the airport, the metal detector will respond to your neurostimulator. Present the employee of the airport with your card, which indicates the presence of the device in your body.
WHERE ARE THE PROCEDURES FOR DEEP BRAIN STIMULATION PERFORMED?
Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is carried out in clinics of Israel, Turkey, Germany as well as in Spain, South Korea and India.
HOW MUCH DOES THE NEUROSTIMULATOR SET?
- The Deep brain stimulation procedure cost in Israeli clinics ranges from $ 38,000 – $ 61,000
- The average price for deep brain stimulation in Turkey is $ 30,000.
- In clinics of Germany, Deep Brain Stimulation costs from € 65,000 to € 70,000.
- The price for DBS in Spain is from € 43,000 to € 70,000.
- The cost of deep brain stimulation in South Korea is $ 56,000- $ 65,000.
- The price for DBS in Indian clinics ranges from $ 20,000 to $ 25,000.
PATIENT TESTIMONIAL ABOUT DBS
Deep brain stimulation review from patient about Teknon hospital, Spain:
“I am very grateful to my son for bringing me to Spain for treatment. The method of stimulation of the brain has become a salvation for me, because very few people imagine how, for patients with Parkinson its hard every day, not only physically, but also psychologically. People look at you, point a finger at you. I was fed up with inconvenience to my family but I’m glad now that I can move around the city on my own. Thank you to the Spanish doctors for giving me the opportunity to spend my old age with dignity. “
Lyudmila Valentinovna, Samara
