Deep brain stimulation, or DBS, involves implantation of electrodes within certain areas of the brain which produce electrical impulses. The amount of stimulation is controlled by a pacemaker-like device, which is placed in the upper chest. A wire connects this pacemaker-like device to the electrodes in the brain that travels under the skin. The deep brain stimulation devices are used for the treatment of dystonia, essential tremor, Parkinson's disease, stroke recovery, major depression and many others. The effects of the therapy in a small group of patients were long-lasting, researchers say, adding to evidence that the approach works for treatment-resistant depression.
DBS involves implanting a small
neurostimulator into a patient’s brain to send out electrical impulses to
specific brain regions. One study evaluated the mental health of people who had
been fitted with the implants during the previous eight years. Most patients
experienced a robust and sustained antidepressant response to the therapy.
About one-third of the participants experienced a full remission of symptoms,
while half reported a reduction. Researchers also found no adverse health
effects of the device itself, although the surgical procedure to implant it was
associated with common surgical complications such as infection in some
patients.
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