What are the components of the deep brain stimulator?
• DBS lead – a thin, insulated coiled wire with four electrodes at the end. The neurosurgeon places these electrodes in areas of the brain called the thalamus (VIM), the subthalamic nucleus (STN) or the internal globus pallidus (GPi) depending on the patient’s condition. • Neurostimulator – a device containing a battery and microelectronic circuitry. It is implanted under the skin near the collarbone and generates electrical signals that are delivered to the targeted structures in the brain. • Extension – an insulated wire that is passed under the skin to connect the lead to the implanted neurostimulator. • What are the potential risks of surgery? Implanting the deep brain stimulators carries the same risks associated with any other brain surgery. Risks may include: • Brain hemorrhage (1.5 percent) • Leakage of cerebral spinal fluid surrounding the brain • Infection (3 – 5 percent) • Seizure • Stroke • Confusion or attention problems • Speech difficulty • How long does the neurostimula
