Brain & Spine Institute Performs Deep Brain Stimulation
The neurosurgery department at The Sandra and Malcolm Berman Brain & Spine Institute recently achieved a major milestone with the successful performance of the first deep brain stimulation (DBS) procedure at Sinai Hospital.
DBS doesn't cure neurological disorders; it improves debilitating symptoms that have not been helped by other medications, like stiffness, shaking and slowed movement. People with Parkinson's disease, essential tremor, dystonia (uncontrollable muscle contractions), multiple sclerosis and obsessive compulsive disorder are ideal candidates for this treatment. 
DBS provides symptom relief by interrupting abnormal electrical impulses in the brain, says Dr. Omar Zalatimo, director of functional neurosurgery at the Berman Brain & Spine Institute. During DBS surgery, neurosurgeons implant electrodes that are connected to a pacemaker-like device called a neurostimulator. Electronic signals are sent to the part of the brain that controls movement. These signals can help block impulses that trigger disabling symptoms of neurological disorders. The surgical team waits a few weeks before activating the stimulation to ensure there are no complications from surgery, such as swelling, bleeding, painful sensations or speech problems.
The DBS device can be adjusted as necessary, particularly if the patient's disorder progresses. "The ability to program the device allows us to customize treatment to each individual," Zalatimo said. "This procedure enhances the spectrum of treatments that enables us to provide high-quality, cutting-edge care to our patients with neurologic disorders."
The goal of DBS, Zalatimo says, is to help patients get back to doing their normal, everyday activities. Neurological disorders can make ordinarily simple tasks such as eating, writing and taking a bath a challenge. DBS can provide the kind of relief that makes these and other activities more doable, thereby giving patients more independence and flexibility.
Because DBS is reversible-meaning the stimulation device can be turned off or removed from inside the body-it won't interfere with future treatment options the patient may want to consider. Also, whereas some medications may lose their effectiveness after a certain period or take some time to kick in, DBS therapy stays in effect around the clock, possibly enabling patients to take less medication and/or experience more hours of symptom relief during the day.
"It's pretty amazing to see a patient go from dealing with uncontrollable shaking or other symptoms that affect daily living to having a better quality of life," Zalatimo said.
The Sandra and Malcolm Berman Brain & Spine Institute provides advanced resources, expertise and comprehensive care in treating patients with neurological disorders. The Department of Neurosurgery provides many services for patients needing surgical treatment for disorders of the brain, spine and peripheral nervous system. Movement disorders, neck and arm pain, and spine tumors and trauma are among the many conditions our specialists treat. Our neurosurgery specialists can help you determine if DBS is right for you.
You can schedule an appointment with a LifeBridge Health physician by completing our online appointment request form or calling 410-601-WELL.