Deep brain stimulation (DBS)

Effective surgical therapy called Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) is now available for the three most common movement disorders:

  • Essential tremor
  • Parkinson’s disease
  • Dystonia


DBS is a surgical procedure in which a medical device called a brain pacemaker is implanted in the brain.  The device is programmed to send electrical impulses to specific parts of the brain.  The impulses block the brain signals that cause shaking.

For some conditions, DBS can result in consistent relief of symptoms and significant reductions in the side effects some patients experience with prolonged use of standard drug treatments.

DBS has been shown to relieve motor dysfunctions such as:

  • tremors
  • rigidity
  • bradykinesia (slow movement)
  • dyskinesia (involuntary movement)
  • gait and balance problems


DBS has significantly improved the quality of life for many patients, allowing them to regain their independence and resume many normal activities. In clinical studies, at least eight out of 10 Parkinson’s patients experience a significant improvement in functional ability with DBS. For patients with essential tremor, up to 90% achieve significant relief from their incapacitating tremor. For patients with dystonia, up to 75% will experience benefit.

  • Patients who suffer dyskinesias (involuntary movements) as a side effect of medication experience more than an 80% reduction in them.
  • DBS often significantly decreases the amount of daily medication required to manage symptoms.
  • DBS is considered non-destructive and reversible. When other surgical treatments become available, the neurostimulators can be reprogrammed or even discontinued.
  • DBS can control the symptoms of movement disorders on both sides of the body.

    DBS at the UH Neurological Institute


Our Movement Disorders Center offers a pioneering approach in the field of movement disorder surgery in which our specialists care for patients with neurological disorders using the highest caliber assessment tools and treatment options.

A multidisciplinary team evaluates each patient, then develops a comprehensive and collaborative treatment plan that is best suited to each person’s unique situation. Team members draw upon their extensive clinical and research experience to devise appropriate, specific, individualized therapy.

In addition to the specialists’ integrated expertise, patients and family members are given vital education and emotional support along the way. Because of the personalized care, patients have better outcomes resulting in shorter recovery times and a functional return to activities of daily living.

Consolidation and coordination of services in a single location provide extra convenience for patients, eliminating the frustration of coordinating multiple treatment modalities.

University Hospitals Neurological Institute’s pioneered surgical advances to cure Tourette syndrome, including the first use of deep brain stimulation in the North America. The success of that operation led to an ongoing study of this innovative new channel of treatment that gives patients suffering from Tourette’s an opportunity to function more fully and enjoy their lives for the first time.