Have you ever heard of deep brain stimulation? Is it considered a complex or simple technique? What is the aim and purpose of using this technology? And what are its risks?

Learn with us in this article about deep brain stimulation technology, Its most important applications are in the treatment of many physical and psychological problems.

Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS):

First of all, my dear. Let’s understand together the principle of this technology, This technique relies on implanting electrodes in specific areas of the brain, These electrodes emit electrical impulses that regulate the abnormal impulses.

This is done by placing a device under the skin in the upper chest. It is like a pacemaker of the heart. This device is connected via a wire passed under the skin to electrodes in the brain.

The benefits:

Now you may be wondering, my dear, What is the benefit of this technology? We will give you the answer right away.

This technique has proven successful in many treatments. Including mainly treatments for movement diseases, As in Parkinson’s disease, essential tremor and epilepsy.

It also has many benefits in relieving severe psychological conditions. such as depression and obsessive-compulsive disorder, We will devote today’s article to talk about this technique in treating symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder.

OCD and DBS:

Let’s learn a little bit about obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), my dear. It is a severe psychological disorder characterized by obsessive thoughts and/or compulsive actions to varying degrees. It may sometimes be very severe and disrupt the daily normal life of the individual.

Now let’s understand the link between this disorder and deep brain stimulation technology, Recent studies published recently in the Journal of Neurology, Surgery, and Psychiatry found that deep brain stimulation (DBS) can reduce severe obsessive-compulsive symptoms in half. And two-thirds of patients saw a “substantial improvement” within two years.

This does not mean that they are cured. This was confirmed by the lead author of the study, Sameer Sheth, professor of neurosurgery at Baylor College of Medicine. But the symptoms will be reduced enough to improve their lives and relationships.

When other treatments don’t work, some patients with severe obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) may benefit from deep brain stimulation instead of neurosurgical intervention. DBS has been suggested as a last resort for obsessive-compulsive disorder patients who do not respond to all treatments. with severe symptoms leading to marked functional impairment, that is, my dear, with people who cannot live with this disorder.

Risks:

but my dear, Although this method has been shown to be effective, However, it carries many risks, some of which we will mention to you now:

1. Risks of the surgery:

As we said, my dear, electrodes will be implanted into the brain, Thus, small holes and openings will be made within the skull bone. In addition to placing the device under the skin in the chest area.

Complications of surgery may include:

• Technical errors in the installation of connecting wires.
• Brain hemorrhage.
• brain attack.
• convulsive seizures
• respiratory problems
• heart problems
• infection.
• Nausea.

2. Expected side effects after surgery:

Side effects associated with deep brain stimulation may include:

• Pain and swelling are temporary at the implant site.
• Difficulty concentrating.
• inflammation.
• Headache.
• confusion.

Therefore, we note, my dear, the need to pay attention when using this technology. And continuous follow-up with the specialist doctor and taking all preventive measures to maintain good health.

in conclusion, We wish you and your family a healthy life free from mental and physical problems. And do not forget, my dear, to be constantly informed of recent news spread around the world, and to stay in touch with developments in science and research. So that you always have knowledge, And do not forget to follow our website, through which we offer everything that is new and unique.

Written by: Marah Mohamad

Sources:

pubmed

health

Deep brain stimulation