Deep Brain Stimulation
Surgical Treatment for Essential Tremor and Parkinson's Disease
If you have Essential Tremor or Parkinson’s disease and medicine isn’t helping enough, deep brain stimulation (DBS) might be a good option. DBS is a surgery that can help:
- Make everyday activities easier
- Give you more hours each day with fewer symptoms
What is Deep Brain Stimulation?
Deep brain stimulation uses a small device—like a pacemaker for the brain—to send tiny electrical signals to parts of the brain that cause tremors. These signals help stop the abnormal brain activity that causes shaking.
Here’s how it works:
- A surgeon places small wires (called electrodes) into specific parts of your brain.
- These wires connect to a device (called a neurostimulator) placed under the skin near your collarbone.
- The device sends electrical pulses to help control tremors and movement problems.
- The settings can be adjusted over time as your needs change.
- MyMichigan Medical Center Midland is the only place in the Midland, Bay City, and Saginaw area that offers this advanced treatment.
What to Expect: The DBS Process
DBS is done in several steps. Every patient is different, but here's a general idea of what to expect:
Evaluation and Testing
A team of neurologists and surgeons will check if DBS is right for you. They’ll do exams and tests to understand your symptoms and condition
First Surgery – Placing the Wires
In this surgery, you stay awake (but won’t feel pain). The doctor places one or two thin wires into your brain. You’ll be asked to move, talk, or describe what you feel to help the doctor find the exact spot that needs treatment.
Second Surgery – Placing the Device
A few weeks later, a second surgery is done. The neurostimulator (the device that sends the signals) is placed under your skin near your collarbone and connected to the wires in your brain.
Turning on the Device
About a month later, the system is turned on during a special appointment. Your neurologist will adjust the settings to get the best results. This may take a few visits.
Regular Check-ups
You’ll continue to see your neurologist to fine-tune the settings and make sure the DBS system keeps working well as your condition changes.
Battery Replacement
The battery in the neurostimulator lasts 3 to 6 years and can be replaced with a minor surgery.
Is It Safe?
Yes. DBS is approved by the FDA and has helped thousands of people around the world. Unlike older surgeries that destroy part of the brain, DBS turns off problem areas without damaging them. It’s also reversible.
Proven Results
- Most people with Essential Tremor have fewer or no tremors after DBS
- People with Parkinson’s disease often get 6 more hours per day of better movement
- Many patients can return to activities like writing, pouring drinks, and buttoning shirts
MyMichigan uses the trusted Medtronic Activa® system, which has helped over 100,000 people with Parkinson’s and Essential Tremor.
Recovery
Most people go home the day after the first surgery and the same day as the second one.
Costs and Insurance
DBS surgery usually costs around $30,000, plus doctor and imaging fees. Most insurance plans cover the procedure if your doctor recommends it. Be sure to check with your insurance provider about coverage and costs.
