About Medtronic Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS)

Medtronic DBS Therapy may help you manage some of your dystonia symptoms.*

What is Medtronic DBS Therapy?

Medtronic DBS Therapy uses a surgically implanted medical device, much like a pacemaker, to send a signal to precisely targeted areas of the brain. Stimulation of these areas may help manage dystonia symptoms.

Developed by Medtronic in collaboration with clinicians and researchers from around the world starting in the 1980s, it ranks as one of the most significant and innovative advances in the treatment of movement disorders. Over the past 20 years more than 80,000 people worldwide have received Medtronic DBS Therapy for a variety of movement disorders.

Medtronic DBS Therapy is an adjustable, reversible, non-destructive, non-drug treatment for the following movement disorders:

• Parkinson's disease
• Essential tremor
• Dystonia*

Read about how it works

How Long Has Deep Brain Stimulation Been Around?

Medtronic developed deep brain stimulation technology in the 1980s alongside leading physician researchers. In 1987, professors Alim-Louis Benabid and Pierre Pollak of the University of Grenoble in France published the results of the first application of DBS Therapy for the treatment of movement disorders.

In April 2003, Medtronic DBS Therapy for Dystonia received Humanitarian Device Exemption approval in the United States to aid in the management of chronic, primary dystonia.   

What Are the Benefits of Medtronic DBS Therapy?

DBS Therapy for Dystonia may help manage symptoms, but it is not a cure. When you turn on the DBS System, it will deliver a signal to the brain that may decrease some or all symptoms of dystonia. Those symptoms will return when the system is turned off.

Deep Brain Stimulation Therapy is:

• Adjustable – Medtronic DBS Therapy stimulation settings can be adjusted in response to your dystonia symptoms.
• Reversible – Unlike other surgical treatments, DBS Therapy does not involve the destruction or removal of any part of your brain. The Medtronic DBS System may be removed. Removal would require additional surgery.

What Are the Potential Side Effects and Risks?

DBS Therapy requires brain surgery. Risks of brain surgery may include serious complications such as coma, bleeding inside the brain, seizures and infection. Some of these may be fatal. Once implanted, the system may become infected, parts may wear through your skin, and the lead or lead/extension connector may move. Medtronic DBS Therapy could stop suddenly because of mechanical or electrical problems. Any of these situations may require additional surgery or cause your symptoms to return.

Medtronic DBS Therapy may cause worsening of some motor symptoms associated with your movement disorder, and may cause speech and language impairments. Stimulation parameters may be adjusted to minimize side effects and attain maximum symptom control. In patients receiving Medtronic DBS Therapy, depression, suicidal thoughts and suicide have been reported.

Talk to your doctor about the risks that may be applicable to your specific situation.

Next: How It Works

*Humanitarian Device: The effectiveness of this device for the treatment of dystonia has not been demonstrated.