Today, Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) has become the most advanced surgical approach to Parkinson’s disease available to patients worldwide. In this treatment, a permanent wire electrode is implanted into the brain and connected to a battery that sends constant electrical signals. These electrical signals shut off certain brain cells that are thought to become overactive in Parkinson’s disease and Essential Tremor, as well as the involuntary movements of Dystonia.

Northwest Hospital Program and Team
Northwest Hospital & Medical Center’s Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) Program provides a full range of services, from diagnosis and treatment to disease management and rehabilitation. The Northwest Hospital multidisciplinary DBS team includes specialists in neurosurgery, neurology, neurophysiology, rehabilitation, nursing, and neuropsychology.

At Northwest, we have the unique ability to cross reference our target calculations with a guidance system for stereotactic radiosurgery. Intra-operative microelectrode recording is done to identify the correct targets. Community and patient education, as well as focused rehabilitation are strong features of our program. We communicate closely with referring physicians to provide collaborative ongoing patient follow-up care. Our goal is to provide compassionately delivered, comprehensive and expert surgical and medical care to restore optimal function and improve quality of life for Parkinson’s, Essential Tremor, and Dystonia patients.

When is DBS Recommended?
Deep Brain Stimulation is usually recommended for Parkinson’s patients who have previously had good symptom control through medication, but continue to experience tremors, stiffness, slowness, abrupt off/on fluctuations, or difficulty with walking, balance, or medication-caused dyskinesias. Parkinson’s patients who are candidates for subthalamic DBS must have had the disease for at least five years and must not show signs of dementia. Essential Tremor and Dystonia patients are considered on an individual basis.

More Information
Download our DBS program overview brochure.
Visit the Medtronic, Inc. website for more information on Activa Therapy. http://www.newhopeforparkinsons.com/regfull/

Contact Us
If you or a family member is interested in more information on Deep Brain Stimulation, or you would like to see if you are a good candidate for the procedure, please contact the Deep Brain Stimulation program office at 206-368-5935.