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Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is a surgical procedure in which two thin, insulated electrodes are inserted into the brain. These electrodes are then connected by a wire under the skin to a battery usually implanted in the chest or in the abdomen. The battery operates similarly to a pacemaker delivering targeted electrical pulses that block the signals that cause the symptoms of dystonia. The battery is implanted below the skin on the chest wall (or sometimes the lower abdominal wall) so it is barely visible but an outline of its shape and of the wires connecting it to the brain may be visible. The carefully controlled, minute electrical currents delivered through the electrodes on both sides of the brain can have a beneficial effect on the involuntary muscle contractions caused by dystonia. As a result, the symptoms of dystonia such as abnormal movements and postures and/or dystonic tremor can be eased. In addition, DBS can reduce the pain caused by dystonia. The electrodes are usually implanted into an area known as the Globus Pallidus Interna (GPi). Stimulation of this area is known as pallidal stimulation. Deep brain stimulation works most effectively for people who have an inherited (genetic) form of dystonia or for those where the dystonia has no identified cause (this is called idiopathic). The treatment is provided for those with inherited or idiopathic dystonia who have a severe generalised dystonia, neck (cervical) dystonia or dystonic tremor when other treatment options (such as botulinum toxin injections and oral medications) have failed to provide adequate relief. A rigorous patient assessment, selection and deselection process is carried out prior to the operation. In addition to the type of dystonia, a number of other factors are taken into account – for instance DBS may not be suitable where there is also a diagnosis of severe depression because of the risk that DBS may make the depression worse. For more information about the DBS surgery, visit the @dystoniauk website for more information about the DBS surgery https://buff.ly/2EJbohM 💪 Join the cause! Like, share, comment, and subscribe. Every little action helps raise awareness!!!

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REKHA SELVAM

JUNIOR TECHNICAL OFFICER at APOLLO MAIN HOSPITALS, CHENNAI

1mo

Well explained

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