How Does Medtronic Deep Brain Stimulation Therapy Work?

Medtronic DBS Therapy involves the placement of a medical device (much like a pacemaker) and thin, insulated wires, called "leads," completely inside the body. DBS Therapy sends mild electrical signals to precisely targeted areas of the brain.

The Cause of Essential Tremor Symptoms

Essential tremor is the result of abnormal communication between certain areas of the brain, including the cerebellum, thalamus, and brain stem. The cause of essential tremor is unknown, but there is evidence that for some people the disorder is genetic. However, people with no family history of tremor can also develop essential tremor.

How DBS Therapy Can Improve ET Symptoms

The deep brain stimulation system sends electrical signals to an area in the brain that controls movement. These signals block some of the messages that cause disabling motor symptoms. This results in a reduction in arm and hand tremors in many patients.

The Medtronic DBS Therapy System

The system has three parts that are implanted completely inside the body by a highly specialized neurosurgeon:

• Neurostimulator – The power source for the system. This small pacemaker-like device contains a battery and computer chip programmed to send electrical signals to control ET symptoms.
• Lead (pronounced "leed") – A set of thin wires covered with a protective coating. It carries the electrical signal to the to the brain tissue. Part of the lead is implanted inside the brain. The rest of the lead is implanted under the skin of the scalp.
• Extension – An insulated wire placed under the scalp that connects to the lead and runs behind the ear, down the neck, and into the chest below the collarbone where it connects to the neurostimulator.

The deep brain stimulation system is programmed to meet your unique therapy needs. You will also be given a small controller or patient programmer that allows you to turn the system on and off and, in some cases, adjust stimulation level settings.

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