DBS(Deep brain stimulation) therapy for Parkinson's disease

Before We start to learn about this therapy let me introduce you about Parkinson's disease.
 Parkinson's disease (PD) is a long term disorder of the central nervous system that mainly affects the motor system. There are many different symptoms associated with Parkinson's disease.


So there is main three symptoms

•  tremor – shaking, which usually begins in the hand or arm and is more likely to occur when the limb is relaxed and resting 
• slowness of movement (bradykinesia) – where physical movements are much slower than normal, which can make everyday tasks difficult and can result in a distinctive slow, shuffling walk with very small steps
•  muscle stiffness (rigidity) – stiffness and tension in the muscles, which can make it difficult to move around and make facial expressions, and can result in painful muscle cramps (dystonia) 

So what about DBS Therapy?
In deep brain stimulation, electrodes are placed in a specific area of the brain (usually the subthalamic nucleus) depending on the symptoms being treated. The electrodes are placed on both the left and right sides of the brain through small holes made at the top of the skull. The electrodes are connected by long extension wires that are passed under the skin and down the neck to a battery-powered stimulator under the skin of the chest . When turned on, the stimulator sends electrical pulses to block the faulty nerve signals causing tremors, rigidity, and other symptoms.

A deep brain stimulator system has three parts that are implanted inside the body:

• Neurostimulator – a programmable battery-powered pacemaker device that creates electric pulses. It is placed under the skin of the chest below the collarbone or in the abdomen.
• Lead – a coated wire with a number of electrodes at the tip that deliver electric pulses to the brain tissue. It is placed inside the brain and connects to an extension wire through a small hole in the skull.
• Extension – an insulated wire that connects the lead to the neurostimulator. It is placed under the skin and runs from scalp, behind the ear, down the neck, and to the chest.

And on this video you can see the effect of DBS therapy