Deep Brain Stimulation Surgery

Advanced procedure provides improved quality of life

Deep brain stimulation was an important breakthrough in treatment for patients with Parkinson's disease and essential tremor. DBS provides long-term relief for patients whose medications are inconsistent or ineffective in controlling their symptoms. Although not a cure, DBS can improve patients' quality of life and allow them to perform their daily activities.

Patients may regain their ability to dress, eat and walk without assistance. Some patients may be able to continue working and also may be able to reduce their medications.

How DBS works

Electronic neurostimulators, connected to electrodes implanted in the brain, block or alter brain signals that cause disabling symptoms of Parkinson’s disease or essential tremor. DBS is reversible and does not destroy brain tissue. The electrodes and neurostimulators can be removed at any time.

Getting the best results

Four to six weeks after surgery, the patient and a nurse will program the neurostimulators to provide optimal symptom control.

Patients receive comprehensive care from a team of specialists

Neurologist Rajesh Pahwa, MD, and neurosurgeon Jules Nazzaro, MD, lead a team of specialists that has made The University of Kansas Hospital a national center for deep brain stimulation. The hospital is unique in the region for its multidisciplinary team approach to DBS.

This complete team of specialists offers comprehensive and compassionate care from diagnosis through surgery and follow-up care.

Groundbreaking research

The University of Kansas Hospital and Medical Center were among the primary testing centers for using DBS to treat Parkinson's disease and essential tremor. These tests helped gain Food and Drug Administration approval for DBS.

The FDA approved DBS in 1997 for essential tremor and Parkinsonian tremor, and in 2002 for all symptoms of Parkinson's disease.