ELVIS DBS
Helping with Neurological Conditions

A DBS implant, or deep brain stimulation system, is a neurosurgical device designed to treat various neurological diseases such as Parkinson's disease, essential tremor, dystonia and certain neurological disorders. It works by transmitting electrical impulses to specific areas of the brain, which helps regulate abnormal neuronal activity.

A DBS implant consists of three main components: an electrode, a pulse generator and wires. The electrode is implanted in a specific area of the brain and the pulse generator is placed under the skin, usually in the chest area. The generator sends electrical impulses through the wires to the electrode, which helps improve the patient's condition by reducing symptoms of the disease.

The DBS implant is usually recommended for patients with severe Parkinson's disease or other neurological disorders when traditional treatments such as medication have failed. However, the decision to use the implant is made on an individual basis after a thorough examination and discussion with a medical professional.

The DBS implant procedure is usually divided into two steps. First, the neurosurgeon places the electrodes in the brain. Then, in the second step, a pulse generator is placed in the area of the collarbone under the skin. Although the operation requires a high level of skill on the part of the surgeon, this procedure has been performed for a long time and is therefore quite common.

Immediately after the operation, the patient's condition improves (tremor, rigidity, etc.). This is due to the so–called penetration effect (a temporary swelling of tissues is formed at the site of electrode implantation, which creates the effect of stimulation switched on, thus reducing the severity of the symptoms of the disease). This effect gradually subsides (on average in 2–4 weeks). Approximately one month after the operation, the patient comes to the doctors, where the pulse generator is switched on for the first time and set up. The doctor will perform the initial adjustment, but many patients require several adjustment sessions, usually a few weeks apart, to achieve the best symptom control. The implant settings are then adjusted every few months thereafter.

The DBS implant is adjusted using special software that allows the doctor to change stimulation parameters such as stimulation amplitude, stimulation frequency and pulse width. The process may involve several visits to achieve optimal results, and patients usually report their symptoms so that the doctor can adjust the settings according to their needs.