Deep Brain Stimulation Specialist
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Parkinson's, Restless Legs & Movement Disorder Specialists, PLLC
Subhashie Wijemanne, MD
Movement Disorder Specialist located in Austin, TX
A treatment often recommended for movement disorders like Parkinson’s disease and tremor is deep brain stimulation (DBS) . This surgery implants a device that sends electrical signals to the brain areas responsible for movement. It’s a significant treatment step, so you’ll benefit from the expertise of board-certified neurologist Subhashie Wijemanne, MD, to help you determine if it’s right for you. Consult with her through her practice, Parkinson’s, Restless Legs & Movement Disorders Specialists, PLLC, in Austin, Texas. Call today for an appointment or schedule online.
Deep Brain Stimulation Q&A
What is deep brain stimulation?
You’re probably a candidate for deep brain stimulation if you can’t seem to control movement disorder symptoms with medications.
During this surgery, a surgeon implants electrodes in specific areas of your brain. These electrodes send out electrical stimulation to override your abnormal brain impulses and can also affect particular cells and chemicals in the brain. As a result, your brain signals move more normally, and symptoms like tics, tremors, and rigidity are significantly reduced.
The electrodes in your brain are attached by wires to a pacemakerlike device implanted under your upper chest’s skin. This device controls the amount of stimulation your brain receives.
You have a hand-held controller that turns the deep brain stimulation on and off. The stimulator’s settings are programmed by a doctor with a wireless device. These settings can be adjusted as your condition changes over time.
What conditions is deep brain stimulation used to treat?
Deep brain stimulation is used to treat several neurological disorders, including:
- Parkinson’s disease
- Essential tremor
- Dystonia
Deep brain stimulation can be effective at reducing the slow movements, rigidity, and tremors associated with Parkinson’s disease. This is especially true if you find your disorder interferes with day-to-day tasks, your work, and social or family situations.
Who is a candidate for deep brain stimulation?
If medications aren’t working to successfully reduce certain movement disorder symptoms, deep brain stimulation could be a solution. If you’re experiencing unpleasant side effects of certain drugs, deep brain stimulation can allow you to reduce your dosage and live a higher quality of life.
Deep brain stimulation isn’t a cure for movement disorders, but it’s an effective way to manage symptoms. But the procedure isn’t appropriate for everyone. Dr. Wijemanne recommends coming in for a consultation to discuss your treatment options.
Dr. Wijemanne is exceptionally qualified to evaluate your case and make the appropriate treatment recommendations. She can help you weigh the risks and benefits of deep brain stimulation to make the right treatment choice for yourself.
To set up an evaluation with Dr. Wijemanne, call Parkinson’s, Restless Legs & Movement Disorders Specialists, PLLC, or use this website to schedule.
