What is Deep Brain Stimulation?

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is a surgical procedure which is sometimes used to treat severe tremor, Parkinson's Disease, as well as primary generalised dystonia. It involves the implantation of a medical device called a brain pacemaker, which sends electrical impulses to specific parts of the brain.This provides continuous brain stimulation so that the abnormal movements can be controlled.

Our Service

Our Deep Brain Stimulation Service is a specially designated supra-regional service based at the Royal Victoria Infirmary. Our staff are highly experienced in this relatively new treatment, and our sophisticated scanning techniques makes this innovative and effective procedure possible.

Deep Brain Stimulation is not appropriate for every patient with movement disorders symptoms but it can be of great benefit in highly selected cases of:

• Parkinson’s disease
• Tremor
• Generalised Dystonia

We have rigorous assessment protocols to determine suitability for this surgery and each of the clinical areas involved has their own set of assessments. This is especially important as there are some risks associated with the procedure.

For those patients who are unsuitable, treatment with medications, as well as exercise and changes to diet, can also be very effective.

Specialist advice and support where and when you need it

We hold many specialist clinics which you may be referred to depending upon your condition, including our Movement Disorder Clinic or the general neurology or neurosurgery clinics.

We believe the success of this treatment is due to the development of an innovative and collaborative approach in which our neurosurgeons, neurologists and specialist nurses work together.

Clinical expertise with a personal touch

Our Nurse Specialists' role is to co-ordinate your care throughout your assessment period through to follow up. We also enjoy links with many multidisciplinary teams throughout the region, and offer further help via various associations and support groups.

More information

If you would like to you to find out more, please contact:

Tricia McGee, Una Brechany, Sharon Reading & Elaine Vandriwala

Parkinson's Disease Specialist Nurses

Telephone:  (0191) 282 3282