What is Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS)?
Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) is a surgical treatment for Movement Disorders. The treatment uses two surgically implanted medical devices, similar to cardiac pacemakers, to deliver electrical stimulation to precisely targeted areas within each side of the brain. Continuous stimulation of these areas blocks the signals that cause the disabling motor symptoms of these disorders. As a result, patients can achieve greater control over their body movements, and regain control of their lives.
Studies recently published in the Journal of the American Medical Association confirmed that Deep Brain Stimulation, for the appropriate candidate, is superior to medication in controlling the symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease.
What are Movement Disorders?
Each year, nearly 3 million Americans are affected by a Movement Disorder.
The most common movement disorder is Essential Tremor, also known as “benign” or “familial” tremor, which affects more than 1.5 million people in the United States. Essential Tremor is characterized by shaking of the hands, legs, or head. Patients with Essential Tremor are often unable to perform simple activities like putting a key in a lock, picking up a glass of water and drinking, or even shaving or putting on lipstick.
Another common Movement Disorder is Parkinson’s Disease which affects more than 1.2 million in the United States alone. The average onset of Parkinson’s Disease is age 60, but “young onset” Parkinson’s Disease, like that afflicting Michael J. Fox, is on the rise. As Parkinson’s Disease progresses, it becomes increasingly disabling, requiring more and more medications, adding the potential for unpredictable and distressing side effects.
The third most common Movement Disorder is Dystonia. Dystonia affects approximately 250,000 Americans per year but the number is probably far greater than that. Often mistaken for cerebral palsy or ALS, Dystonia is characterized by involuntary muscle contractions that are painful and prolonged, and twist the body into abnormal positions and contorted postures.
Medication for these disorders can be extremely expensive, costing upward of $6000 yearly in out-of-pocket costs to patients. Medical costs to the US Healthcare system top $25 million, annually.
The Hycy and Howard Hill Neuroscience Institute Movement Disorders Center
Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center is the first and only hospital in the San Fernando Valley to offer Deep Brain Stimulation to our community. Nationally-recognized physicians, a full-time Nurse Navigator/DBS Programmer and fully-equipped Neuroscience and Rehabilitation services ensure optimum outcomes for our patients.
The Hycy and Howard Hill Neuroscience Institute at Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center has received national recognition for quality and excellence:
-
Top 5% in the nation for the Treatment of Stroke, HealthGrades®
-
Gold Seal of Approval from the Joint Commission for Advanced Primary Stroke Centers
-
Silver Performance Achievement Awards from the American Stroke Association
-
Recognized in USNews & World Reports “America’s Best Hospitals” issue
-
President’s Awards of Excellence, Outstanding Stroke Center, Providence Health & Services
For more information about our services, please call our Movement Disorders Program at (818) 847-DBS1 (3721), or e-mail us at movement.disorders@providence.org.
|
