Deep Brain Stimulation: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Written by Harsha Moole, MD. Medically reviewed by Achuta Uppu, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Deep Brain Stimulation?
A neurologist, a doctor who treats brain and nerve conditions, usually helps decide if deep brain stimulation is right for you. A neurosurgeon, a surgeon who operates on the brain and nerves, places the device. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What is deep brain stimulation?
Deep brain stimulation, or DBS, is a treatment for symptoms of some movement disorders. These include dystonia, essential tremor, and Parkinson disease. DBS uses a device, placed by surgery, that runs on a battery. The device sends electrical signals to parts of the brain that control movement.
A DBS system has three main parts, including a lead and a battery pack.
- The lead, also called an electrode, is a thin, insulated wire placed in the brain.
- The battery pack is the power source.
DBS is not a cure. It helps manage symptoms, but it does not slow the nerve damage that gets worse over time in some movement disorders.
Symptoms
DBS is commonly done for people with Parkinson disease when medicines cannot control the symptoms. It can help reduce these symptoms:
- Tremors.
- Slow movements.
Doctors may also use DBS for essential tremor, which is shaking that cannot be controlled and has no known cause. It may be used for dystonia, which is uncontrolled or slow movement. It is also approved by the FDA for epilepsy, a condition that causes seizures.
DBS can also be used for severe OCD (obsessive-compulsive disorder) or depression in people who have not responded to other treatments. For depression, it is still an experimental treatment.
Causes and who gets it
DBS is usually used for people whose symptoms do not respond to medicine. For Parkinson disease and some other conditions, only people who see some improvement after taking medicine will benefit. People with signs of dementia are not good candidates for DBS. Surgery is riskier in people over age 70. It is also riskier in people with health conditions such as high blood pressure and diseases that affect blood vessels in the brain.
How doctors diagnose it
Before surgery, you will have a complete physical exam. Your surgeon will order lab and imaging tests, including a CT or MRI scan. You might see more than one specialist, such as a neurologist, neurosurgeon, or psychologist, a mental health expert.
Treatment
Surgery is done to place each part of the DBS system. In adults, the whole system can be placed in 1 or 2 stages, which are two separate surgeries. Stage 1 is usually done under local anesthesia, meaning you are awake but feel no pain. The surgeon drills a small opening, called a burr hole, in the skull and places the lead into a specific area of the brain. You may need to stay in the hospital for about 3 days.
At a later visit, the stimulator is turned on and the amount of stimulation is adjusted. This is called programming. Finding the right setting can be a complex process and may take multiple visits with a neurologist. Most people still need medicine after DBS, but they may be able to take less.
DBS is considered safe and effective when done in the right person for the right condition. Still, it is surgery, and surgery always carries some risk. In rare cases, placing the system can cause bleeding or infection in the brain. Side effects may include numbness or tingling, behavior changes, balance trouble, or worse speech. A regular battery usually lasts 3 to 5 years, and a rechargeable battery lasts about 9 years. DBS can be reversed if needed.
Before surgery, you may be asked to stop blood thinners for a time. Follow your surgeon's or doctor's instructions about medicines, eating, and drinking.
When to see a doctor
Contact your surgeon if you have any of these problems after DBS surgery:
- Fever or headache.
- Numbness or tingling on one side of the body.
- Redness, swelling, or irritation at any surgery site.
Call 911 or go to the emergency room if you faint, have trouble breathing, have sudden weakness, trouble speaking, or a sudden change in vision, or become confused or hard to wake up.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can review your symptoms and medicines and talk through whether DBS might fit. They can help coordinate care with a neurologist and a neurosurgeon, and help with follow-up after surgery.
Common questions
Is deep brain stimulation a cure?
No, it is not a cure. DBS helps manage symptoms, but it does not slow the nerve damage that gets worse over time in some movement disorders.
Is deep brain stimulation brain surgery?
Yes, DBS needs surgery to place thin wires in the brain. A battery pack is also placed under the skin, usually near the collarbone. Surgery always carries some risk.
Can deep brain stimulation be turned off or removed?
Yes, it can be stopped. People with DBS also get a patient programmer that lets them turn the device off if it disrupts their sleep. The procedure can be reversed if needed.
Do I still need medicine after deep brain stimulation?
Most people still need medicine, but they may be able to take less.
Sources
- MedlinePlus - Deep brain stimulation
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke - Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS)
- National Institute of Mental Health - Brain Stimulation Therapies
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
