What Is Deep Brain Stimulation? How Is Brain Pacemaker Surgery Performed?

What Is Deep Brain Stimulation? How Is Brain Pacemaker Surgery Performed?

The question “What is Deep Brain Stimulation?” is frequently researched, particularly by patients with Parkinson’s disease, dystonia, major depression, essential tremor, and epilepsy. Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) is a surgical treatment method that electrically stimulates targeted regions of the brain, providing symptom relief in conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, dystonia, and essential tremor. This procedure is commonly referred to as brain pacemaker surgery.

DBS is essentially a neurological treatment method aimed at regulating irregular electrical activity of nerve cells in the brain. It is applied in patients who are resistant to medical therapy and can significantly improve quality of life. DBS surgery enables control of symptoms that negatively affect daily living, particularly tremor, rigidity, and slowness of movement observed in Parkinson’s disease.

What Is Deep Brain Stimulation?

Deep Brain Stimulation is an advanced neurosurgical treatment method used in the management of movement disorders. The procedure begins with the placement of very thin electrodes into specific deep brain nuclei and requires connection to a brain pacemaker (neurostimulator) device implanted in the chest.

For those seeking an answer to “What is Deep Brain Stimulation?”, it can be described as a system in which an implanted device delivers continuous, appropriately calibrated electrical stimulation via a brain pacemaker to regulate abnormal neural activity in targeted brain regions. This makes it possible to control symptoms associated with conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, dystonia, essential tremor, and epilepsy.

DBS surgery helps patients who do not achieve sufficient benefit from medication to control symptoms that impair daily quality of life. The primary benefit of the procedure is the reduction in severity of symptoms such as tremor, muscle rigidity, and bradykinesia. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mehmet Sorar, one of the physicians performing DBS surgery in Türkiye, is a specialist who has successfully completed numerous procedures in this field.

What Does Deep Brain Stimulation Mean?

Technically, Deep Brain Stimulation is a method composed of three distinct components. The term “deep” refers to the basal ganglia located beneath the surface of the brain, “brain” denotes the organ targeted by the surgical intervention, and “stimulation” describes the delivery of electrical impulses to the basal ganglia via an implanted pulse generator.

For those asking “What is Deep Brain Stimulation?”, the term defines the placement of small electrodes into the basal ganglia and the delivery of electrical current through a pacemaker device to help regulate dopamine-related activity.

How Is Brain Pacemaker (DBS) Surgery Performed?

Brain pacemaker surgery, known as DBS, requires a highly specialized multidisciplinary team and is typically performed in three main stages. For successful outcomes and patient safety, the procedure must be carried out by an experienced specialist physician.

Stages of Brain Pacemaker Surgery

1. Placement of Electrodes

The first stage of Deep Brain Stimulation surgery involves placing electrodes into the targeted brain region. Prior to surgery, advanced imaging techniques such as MRI and Computed Tomography are used to identify the target area with millimetric precision. The surgeon then carefully inserts very thin, flexible electrodes into the designated location. These electrodes transmit low-level electrical currents to brain cells, which is a critical function of DBS surgery.

2. Implantation of the Stimulator

In the second stage, the device known as the neurostimulator is implanted beneath the skin in the chest area. The primary function of this device is to deliver regular and controllable electrical signals to the electrodes placed in the brain.

Implantation of the stimulator involves the following steps:

• The electrodes placed in the brain are guided under the skin toward the device using thin extension cables.
• A small pocket is created, typically in the chest area, to accommodate the brain pacemaker.
• The neurostimulator is placed into this pocket, and the extension cables are securely connected to the device.

3. Brain Stimulation

In the final stage of DBS surgery, the neurostimulator is programmed and activated by the physician according to the patient’s symptoms. Once implantation is complete, specific adjustments are required to activate the electrodes and pacemaker. During device programming, individual patient needs, symptom type, and severity are carefully considered. Using an external controller, the specialist precisely determines the intensity, frequency, and duration of the electrical signals delivered to the brain.

Is Deep Brain Stimulation Surgery Risky?

Along with “What is Deep Brain Stimulation?”, patients also frequently ask whether the procedure is risky. DBS is generally considered a low-risk neurosurgical intervention. However, as with any surgical procedure, potential risks exist.

The operation is completed by placing electrodes in the brain and the pacemaker beneath the chest skin. Rare complications such as infection, intracranial bleeding, or stroke may occur, as with other surgical procedures. Additionally, because electrodes must be positioned with millimetric precision, there is a risk of incorrect placement. Receiving care from experienced and specialized physicians significantly reduces the likelihood of serious complications during DBS surgery.

In addition to surgical risks, some side effects may occur after brain pacemaker surgery. During the device programming phase, patients may experience speech difficulties, balance problems, muscle tension, or temporary mood changes. These effects are largely resolved through optimal adjustment of the device by the physician. Reviews from patients who have undergone DBS indicate that the procedure carries a low risk in terms of side effects.

Is Brain Pacemaker Surgery Covered by the State? Is It Included in SGK Coverage?

Deep Brain Stimulation, also known as brain pacemaker surgery, is included among treatments covered by the Social Security Institution (SGK) in Türkiye. Therefore, for insured patients, the cost of the procedure is covered by the state. Because DBS surgery is within insurance coverage, it can be performed at lower cost for patients who choose private clinics or hospitals.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mehmet Sorar’s Approach to DBS Surgery

Having successfully performed more than 500 DBS surgeries to date, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mehmet Sorar manages the entire treatment process with a multidisciplinary team consisting of neurosurgery, neurology, psychiatry, radiology, and physical therapy specialists. Prior to surgery, the patient’s individual needs and symptoms are carefully evaluated; the procedure is performed using advanced medical devices, and comprehensive guidance and support are provided during the postoperative period.

Legal Disclaimer

This content has been prepared solely for informational purposes in accordance with the Regulation on Promotional and Informational Activities in Health Services. The information provided does not constitute medical diagnosis or treatment advice. As each individual’s health condition is unique, definitive and personalized information regarding treatment or other medical interventions can only be determined following a physician’s examination. For detailed information and individual evaluation, professional consultation may be obtained from our specialist physician at our center.