Deep Brain Stimulation
Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is a procedure in which thin electrodes are placed in precise targets deep within the brain and connected to a small implanted pulse generator, similar to a pacemaker. Gentle electrical signals adjust abnormal brain activity to reduce the tremor, stiffness and slowness of movement disorders such as Parkinson's disease, essential tremor and dystonia.
Medically reviewed by the Florence Healthcare medical team · Last reviewed June 2026
Overview
Deep brain stimulation does not destroy brain tissue; instead it modulates the activity of specific circuits using an adjustable, reversible electrical signal. Using detailed imaging and neuro-navigation — and often a period with the patient awake to confirm the best response — the surgeon positions one or two electrodes in a precise target. These connect under the skin to a battery-powered pulse generator placed near the collarbone.
DBS is most established for Parkinson's disease, essential tremor and dystonia, and is used in selected cases of other conditions. It is considered when medication no longer controls symptoms well or causes troublesome side effects. After surgery, a neurologist programs the device over several visits, tuning the stimulation to each person — one of the key advantages of an adjustable, reversible therapy.
Care is planned jointly by neurologists and neurosurgeons, who assess carefully whether DBS is suitable, since patient selection strongly affects results. International patients receive a coordinator, a clear plan and a transparent cost estimate before travel, and our specialists can review records and imaging remotely to advise whether DBS is appropriate.
Who is a candidate?
- People with Parkinson's disease whose symptoms are no longer well controlled by medication
- Patients with essential tremor that significantly limits daily activities
- Those with dystonia causing disabling muscle contractions or postures
- People who respond to medication but experience troublesome fluctuations or side effects
- Patients confirmed as suitable after a thorough neurological and imaging assessment
What happens
- 1
Assessment and selection
A detailed neurological evaluation, imaging and sometimes a medication-response test confirm whether DBS is appropriate and which brain target is best for your symptoms.
- 2
Surgical planning
High-resolution MRI and CT and computer planning map a precise, safe path to the target. Careful planning is what makes the electrode placement accurate.
- 3
Electrode placement
Using neuro-navigation, the surgeon places the electrodes in the target. For many patients this part is done while awake and comfortable, so the response to stimulation can be checked during the operation.
- 4
Generator implantation
Under general anesthesia, the pulse generator is placed under the skin near the collarbone and connected to the electrodes by a wire tunneled beneath the skin.
- 5
Programming and follow-up
After healing, a neurologist switches on and fine-tunes the device over several visits. International patients receive a programming and follow-up plan, with remote guidance arranged where possible.
Benefits
- Can substantially reduce tremor, stiffness and slowness of movement in suitable patients
- May allow a reduction in medication and its fluctuations or side effects
- Adjustable and reversible — settings can be tuned and the device turned off if needed
- Improves quality of life and independence when symptoms have been disabling
- Treats both sides of the body when electrodes are placed in both hemispheres
Risks & considerations
- Surgical risks including bleeding, infection and, rarely, stroke near the target
- Hardware-related issues such as lead movement or the eventual need to replace the battery
- Stimulation side effects — such as speech, balance or mood changes — usually adjustable with reprogramming
- Results depend on careful patient selection; DBS controls symptoms but does not cure the disease
- A period of fine-tuning over months before the best settings are reached
Conditions this treats
Where it is performed
This procedure is delivered by our Neurological Sciences Center.
Learn more before you decide
Provider-reviewed guides on the related conditions, symptoms and tests in our Health Library.
Deep Brain Stimulation — frequently asked questions
DBS is most established for Parkinson's disease, essential tremor and dystonia, easing tremor, stiffness and slowness of movement. It is used in selected cases of other disorders when medication no longer gives enough control.
For many patients, the electrode-placement part is done while awake and comfortable, so your response to stimulation can be checked and the position optimized. The pulse generator is then implanted under general anesthesia. Your team explains the plan for your case.
No. DBS does not cure the underlying condition, but for well-selected patients it can substantially reduce symptoms and the need for medication, improving daily function. Because it is adjustable and reversible, settings can be tuned over time.
Yes. Share your reports and imaging and our neurologists and neurosurgeons review them and advise whether DBS is appropriate, since careful selection strongly affects the result, before you commit to travel.
The procedure usually means a few nights in hospital, with device programming over later visits — your coordinator maps these around your travel. We provide a transparent, itemized estimate after reviewing your case, covering the device, surgery and programming, rather than a fixed online price.
Related treatments
Considering deep brain stimulation?
Share your reports for a medical second opinion and a transparent, itemized cost estimate — usually within 48 hours.