Deep brain stimulation also known as DBS is used to treat movement disorders such as Parkinson's disease, dystonia, or neurological conditions. It works by getting electrodes implanted within the brain. These electrodes will produce electrical impulses which can change cells in the brain and cause medical conditions in some cases; however Deep brain stimulation is considered a low-risk type of neurotechnology; However, one cannot forget about the risks that any surgery can represent. The amount of stimulation you get will be controlled by a peacemaker device that goes under the skin of your chest, this is a device that uses batteries to work.
Deep brain stimulation can help with the symptoms of different conditions such as Parkinson's disease. It can help them by decreasing tremors, stiffness, slowness, and also dyskinesias. Recent studies also have shown that this device has significantly improved quality of life more than other treatments such as medical therapy had before. The benefits that deep brain stimulation can offer will vary based on the condition they are being used to treat. But now what are the possible side effects it can have that are not so nice and indeed can be a treat to its user?
When we talk about the medical field we know we are referring to an area where the goal is to keep the patient healthy; However, we cannot forget that after all we cannot cure every single disease and pain a patient can have. Nevertheless medical providers goal is to ensure that every device or treatment they offer to the patient is as safe as possible, and even if in some cases they can include serious side effects or invasive procedures, once cant forget that the provider wouldn't recommend them or offer them, if the results weren't worth the danger.
Deep brain stimulation is one of such. This as we stated before consists of the implantation of electrodes into the patient's body, not only that but also can have side effects such as seizures, infections, headaches, focus loss, and even strokes. These side effects are terrifying for some patients, and we completely understand it. But we cannot forget, that we do not have the technology to fix everything when it comes to human health without any drawbacks yet, and this is an example of it.
There is always going to be a great divide in opinions when deciding whether or not deep brain stimulation is worth the risk, however, if the cost would outweigh the benefits, this treatment wouldn't be offered by no medical provider.
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