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DBS Parkinson's Depression Relief

Parkinson's is a movement disorder that is centered in the brain. Individuals with this disorder often develop problems when they are in their 40s or 50s, although occasionally individuals as young as 30 are diagnosed with the disorder. Individuals with Parkinson's often have difficulties with severe depression and may experience difficulties with their moods. One of the recent treatments for Parkinson's depression is deep brain stimulation, or DBS, and has shown promise for relief of movement and depression symptoms.

  1. About

    • According to Brown University, Parkinson's is a condition that affects the brain's dopamine-producing cells. As these cells are degraded and fail, the body begins to move uncontrollably. Often, the movements take the form of shaking, tremors or rocking back and forth of the body. Currently, there are approximately 1.5 million individuals with Parkinson's in the United States and there are approximately 60,000 new cases diagnosed every year.

    Deep Brain Stimulation

    • The use of a DBS device for the treatment of Parkinson's was approved by the Food and Drug Administration in 2002. This device works by controlling the movement centers of the brain. Implanting the device is a two-stage process, according to Winthrop University Hospital. The first stage is where the affected centers are mapped through CAT or MRI scans. This process does not require anesthesia. The second phase is completed under general anesthesia and the device is implanted in the brain, with electrodes connected to those affected centers that were mapped.

    Impulse Generator

    • According to Winthrop University Hospital, the impulse generator is a pacemaker device that is connected to the electrodes in the DBS device and is implanted in the chest under the skin. This is a device that allows the doctor to adjust the electrical current to the DBS device and works similar to a pacemaker for the heart. If needed, the DBS device can be adjusted as the illness progresses. When the movements begin to go out of control, the impulse generator is triggered and electrical impulses are sent to the DBS device.

    Depression Relief

    • DBS stimulation and impulse generators have been used to also help individuals who have severe and debilitating depression, according to Brown University. Historically, electrical intervention has been a last resort of treatment for depression. However, DBS has been found to be an excellent long term solution for individuals who have both Parkinson's and severe depression symptoms. For these individuals, the DBS device is considered a lifesaver.

    Other Treatments

    • According to Brown University, there are many pharmacological treatments available for Parkinson's. However, one of the problems that occurs with Parkinson's is that patients develop a tolerance for the medications and they become ineffective. Over time, patients frequently find that they run out of medical options outside of surgery and the DBS device. As a result, although DBS is often a treatment of last resort, it is considered extremely successful.

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