An Overview of Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) for Parkinson’s

Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsHow It WorksSymptoms TreatedRisks and Side EffectsWhat to ExpectFrequently Asked Questions

Table of ContentsView All

View All

Table of Contents

How It Works

Symptoms Treated

Risks and Side Effects

What to Expect

Frequently Asked Questions

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is a common surgical treatment forParkinson’s diseasesymptoms like stiffness, slow movements, and tremors.

DBS will not cure the disease, but it may improve the symptoms thatmedicine for Parkinson’sis not adequately treating. It may result in more “on” time (a longer duration of feeling good) during the day.

This article will discuss how deep brain stimulation works for Parkinson’s, the symptoms it treats, benefits and risks, and what to expect after this surgery.

Verywell / Brianna Gilmartin

How Does Deep Brain Stimulation for Parkinson’s Work?

DBS involves three main components:

This is considered a minimally invasive surgery that is done in the operating room with local anesthesia. It usually requires an overnight stay.

The IPG is inserted in a separate surgical procedure in the operating room roughly a week later.

After a few weeks, a neurologist begins to program the unit. This process can take several additional weeks to months. When this is completed, people are able to manage (turn on and off) the device with a handheld remote control.

It’s not known exactly how DBS works. The impulses from the generator are thought to interfere with or block abnormal electrical signals (faulty firing of nerve cells) in the brain that are associated with Parkinson’s disease.

There are three different regions in the brain where the electrodes may be implanted:

DBS of both the subthalamic nucleus and globus pallidus can help with the motor symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, while DBS of the ventral intermediate nucleus is primarily done to control tremors.

The Symptoms That DBS Treats

Deep brain stimulation is used primarily to treat the motor (muscle-related) symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, but this can vary somewhat between the different placement sites. Symptoms treated include:

DBS is not usually helpful with walking problems or balance, though improvements in the symptoms above can indirectly affect walking. It also does not provide significant benefits for non-motor symptoms of Parkinson’s such as cognitive changes, mood changes (such as depression or anxiety), or problems with sleeping.

DBS often allows for a reduction in the dosage of levodopa, which in turn can result in fewer involuntary movements (dyskinesias) and a reduction in “off” time. The result is often improved quality of life.

Who May Benefit from Deep Brain Stimulation?

A number of criteria can help identify people who are good candidates for deep brain stimulation. This includes people who:

At the current time, there is no set age limit for DBS, but the effectiveness may be lower in older people.

Who Should Have Deep Brain Stimulation?If medications are helping with your movement-related symptoms of Parkinson’s disease but do not control them completely, you may be a candidate for deep brain stimulation.

Who Should Have Deep Brain Stimulation?

If medications are helping with your movement-related symptoms of Parkinson’s disease but do not control them completely, you may be a candidate for deep brain stimulation.

Sites of Deep Brain Stimulation and Symptom Control

While both subthalamic nucleus (STN) and globus pallidus internus (GPi) stimulation help improve the motor symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, studies have found a few differences.

DBS of the third target, the ventral intermediate nucleus, can be beneficial for controlling tremors but does not work as well at addressing the other motor symptoms of Parkinson’s disease.

In a Canadian study, targeting the subthalamic nucleus allowed people to reduce the doses of their medications to a greater degree, while targeting the globus pallidus internus was more effective for abnormal movements (dyskinesias).

In another study, STN deep brain stimulation also led to a greater reduction in medication dosages. However, GPi stimulation resulted in greater improvement in quality of life, and also appeared to help with the fluency of speech and depression symptoms.

Side effects of DBS can sometimes include subtle cognitive changes (a decline). A different study compared these effects with regard to these different areas.

GPi showed smaller neurocognitive declines (looking at things such as attention and memory) than STN, though the effects were small with both. On a positive note, both procedures seemed to reduce symptoms of depression following surgery.

Risks and Side Effects of Deep Brain Stimulation

Like any surgery, deep brain stimulation can have side effects, and it carries potential risks. It’s also important to consider the complications and side effects of medications you take since their dosages can often be reduced following surgery.

While DBS maycauseside effects, it may alsoreduceside effects from medications.

Risks

The risks of deep brain stimulation can be broken down into those that involve the surgery and those that involve the devices and connections. It’s important to note that DBS does not appear to cause any significant permanent damage to the brain.

In addition to general risks of surgery and anesthesia, complications may include:

Hardware problems may include malfunction, erosion, migration, or fracture of the leads, or battery failure.

In a review of over a thousand people who underwent DPS for movement disorders, complications were uncommon.Though close to 4% experienced asymptomatic bleeding into the ventricles or cortex of the brain, only 1% had symptoms of a brain hemorrhage. Another 0.4% suffered a stroke.

Long-term complications related to the hardware were seen in less than 2% of people and did not require additional surgery. It was also noted that the most common complications could be avoided to at least some degree with careful planning and technique.

Side Effects

Side effects are common but tend to be relatively mild. They can also be broken down into those related to the surgery and those related to stimulation.

Side effects related to surgery may include a headache or a worsening of emotional symptoms.

Side effects related to stimulation occur for nearly everyone while the device is being programmed, and this process can take several weeks. These can include:

What to Expect After DBS

Surgery to implant the leads generally entails an overnight stay, while the IPG is usually implanted as same-day surgery. During recovery, your surgeon will talk to you about caring for your wounds, when you can shower, and any activity restrictions. It’s usually recommended that any heavy lifting be avoided for a few weeks.

After another two to four weeks, you’ll return to have your device programmed. This process will continue for several weeks to ensure the stimulation settings are optimal to control your symptoms. During these visits, you will be shown how to turn the device on and off with the handheld device and check the battery level.

Once the programming has been completed, you will have regular follow-up visits to check and adjust the stimulation to maintain the most benefit for your symptoms.

Living With a DBS Device

Batteries most often last three to five years, but this can vary. Rechargeable batteries may last up to 15 years.

There are several precautions related to electrical/magnetic devices that are important, but usually easy to accommodate. Items such as cell phones, computers, and home appliances do not generally interfere with the stimulator. Keep your stimulator identification card handy when you are out and about, in your wallet or purse.

Theft Detectors

Be aware that some devices may cause your transmitter to turn on or off. This includes security monitors (theft detectors) that might be found at the library and retail shops.

Home Electronics

Keep the magnet used to activate and deactivate the stimulator at least 12 inches away from televisions, computer disks, and credit cards, as the magnet could potentially damage these items.

Air Travel/Metal Detectors

Since the stimulator contains magnets, holding a handheld detection device over the stimulator for more than a few seconds could interfere with the monitoring of the device. Other techniques, such as a pat down, are an option. Again, it’s important to have your stimulator identification card with you when you fly.

Medical Diagnosis and Treatment

Certain types of MRI can be done with the device, but you always have to check with your doctor regarding the compatibility of your device. Alternatives, such as CT, are usually recommended in case you cannot have MRI. The use of heat therapy for painful muscles, whether done during physical therapy or with a heating pad, should be avoided.

During surgery, the use of cautery (burning small bleeding blood vessels) should be avoided, so it’s important that your physicians are aware that you have a stimulator in place. Additional treatments that may interfere with the device include therapeutic ultrasound, lithotripsy (for kidney stones), and radiation therapy.

Occupational Electromagnetic Concerns

Situations that entail exposure to large magnetic fields, radar machinery, or high-voltage currents should be avoided. This can include being near electric power generators, electric substations, ham radio antennas, arc welders, transmission towers, and microwave communication towers.

Most of these potential exposures are occupational, so it’s important to talk to your doctor about your work setting before returning to work.

Summary

Deep brain stimulation is a procedure in which implantable devices deliver electrical impulses to the brain. It can be used to relieve motor symptoms of Parkinson’s disease in some patients. It has some risks, and there may be mild side effects. It often allows the person to use less levodopa and have a better quality of life.

A Word From Verywell

Deep brain stimulation can result in long-term control of stiffness, tremors, and slow movements in people with Parkinson’s disease who meet the criteria for treatment. Unfortunately, DBS does not affect the natural history (progression) of the disease, nor does it control non-motor symptoms such as cognitive changes or mood issues.

At least until we have better treatments that address the underlying process of Parkinson’s disease rather than treat symptoms alone, DBS offers an additional option to help people cope with the very frustrating symptoms of the disease.

The Best Parkinson’s Support Groups of 2021

Frequently Asked QuestionsDeep brain stimulation can often provide a long-term benefit for Parkinson’s disease. A 2021 study demonstrated that STN deep brain stimulation remains beneficial for at least 15 years.A 2020 study showed GPi deep brain stimulation was beneficial for at least five years.That said, it’s important to note that DBS treats symptoms and not the underlying disease process. Since Parkinson’s disease is a progressive illness without a cure at this time, worsening is usually expected over time, despite optimal treatment.A review of procedures between 2002 and 2014 found that the average cost of deep brain stimulation was $22,802 just for the procedure. Costs were greater among those who had complications.Looking at the cost of the procedures as well as follow-up (including necessary repairs and adjustments) over time, the average total discounted cost of deep brain stimulation for Parkinson’s disease was $131,000 over a 10-year period.This was compared to an average of $91,000 for those who were treated with medications alone.The group that received deep brain stimulation had better quality-of-life scores. Researchers found that DBS added 1.69 QALYs (quality adjusted life years) more than those who had medical treatment alone, translating to a cost of $23,000 for a quality of life year. This study found that DBS is both beneficial and cost effective for people with Parkinson’s disease.Deep brain stimulation appears to be quite successful at improving symptom control and quality of life for people with Parkinson’s disease who are appropriate candidates.A study published inJAMAlooking at DBS for Parkinson’s disease documented significant benefits.Roughly 71% of people who received DBS reported significant improvements in motor function. This was compared to only 32% of people in the control group who received medications alone.In addition, the DBS group had an average increase of 4.6 hours of good symptom control daily. This benefit persisted even in older people (over 70), who gained an average of 3.8 hours of good symptom control daily.

Deep brain stimulation can often provide a long-term benefit for Parkinson’s disease. A 2021 study demonstrated that STN deep brain stimulation remains beneficial for at least 15 years.A 2020 study showed GPi deep brain stimulation was beneficial for at least five years.That said, it’s important to note that DBS treats symptoms and not the underlying disease process. Since Parkinson’s disease is a progressive illness without a cure at this time, worsening is usually expected over time, despite optimal treatment.

Deep brain stimulation can often provide a long-term benefit for Parkinson’s disease. A 2021 study demonstrated that STN deep brain stimulation remains beneficial for at least 15 years.A 2020 study showed GPi deep brain stimulation was beneficial for at least five years.

That said, it’s important to note that DBS treats symptoms and not the underlying disease process. Since Parkinson’s disease is a progressive illness without a cure at this time, worsening is usually expected over time, despite optimal treatment.

A review of procedures between 2002 and 2014 found that the average cost of deep brain stimulation was $22,802 just for the procedure. Costs were greater among those who had complications.Looking at the cost of the procedures as well as follow-up (including necessary repairs and adjustments) over time, the average total discounted cost of deep brain stimulation for Parkinson’s disease was $131,000 over a 10-year period.This was compared to an average of $91,000 for those who were treated with medications alone.The group that received deep brain stimulation had better quality-of-life scores. Researchers found that DBS added 1.69 QALYs (quality adjusted life years) more than those who had medical treatment alone, translating to a cost of $23,000 for a quality of life year. This study found that DBS is both beneficial and cost effective for people with Parkinson’s disease.

A review of procedures between 2002 and 2014 found that the average cost of deep brain stimulation was $22,802 just for the procedure. Costs were greater among those who had complications.

Looking at the cost of the procedures as well as follow-up (including necessary repairs and adjustments) over time, the average total discounted cost of deep brain stimulation for Parkinson’s disease was $131,000 over a 10-year period.This was compared to an average of $91,000 for those who were treated with medications alone.

The group that received deep brain stimulation had better quality-of-life scores. Researchers found that DBS added 1.69 QALYs (quality adjusted life years) more than those who had medical treatment alone, translating to a cost of $23,000 for a quality of life year. This study found that DBS is both beneficial and cost effective for people with Parkinson’s disease.

Deep brain stimulation appears to be quite successful at improving symptom control and quality of life for people with Parkinson’s disease who are appropriate candidates.A study published inJAMAlooking at DBS for Parkinson’s disease documented significant benefits.Roughly 71% of people who received DBS reported significant improvements in motor function. This was compared to only 32% of people in the control group who received medications alone.In addition, the DBS group had an average increase of 4.6 hours of good symptom control daily. This benefit persisted even in older people (over 70), who gained an average of 3.8 hours of good symptom control daily.

Deep brain stimulation appears to be quite successful at improving symptom control and quality of life for people with Parkinson’s disease who are appropriate candidates.

A study published inJAMAlooking at DBS for Parkinson’s disease documented significant benefits.Roughly 71% of people who received DBS reported significant improvements in motor function. This was compared to only 32% of people in the control group who received medications alone.

In addition, the DBS group had an average increase of 4.6 hours of good symptom control daily. This benefit persisted even in older people (over 70), who gained an average of 3.8 hours of good symptom control daily.

15 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.National Institute for Neurological Disorders and Stroke.Deep brain stimulation for movement disorders.American Association of Neurological Surgeons.Deep brain stimulation.Johns Hopkins Medicine.Deep brain stimulation.Jankovic J, Mazziota JC, Pomeroy SL, Newman NJ.Bradley and Daroff’s neurology in clinical practice.8th ed. Elsevier.Hartmann CJ, Fliegen S, Groiss SJ, Wojtecki L, Schnitzler A.An update on best practice of deep brain stimulation in Parkinson’s disease.Ther Adv Neurol Disord.2019;12. doi:10.1177/1756286419838096Honey CR, Hamani C, Kalia SK, et al.Deep brain stimulation target selection for Parkinson’s disease.Can J Neurol Sci. 2017;44(1):3-8. doi:10.1017/cjn.2016.22Lee PS, Craommon DJ, Richardson RM.Deep brain stimulation of the subthalamic nucleus and globus pallidus for Parkinson’s disease.Neurol Surg.2018;33:207-221. doi:10.1159/000481105Combs HL, Folley BS, Berry DTR, et al.Cognition and depression following deep brain stimulation of the subthalamic nucleus and globus pallidus pars internus in Parkinson’s disease: a meta-analysis.Neuropsychol Rev.2015;25(4):439-454. doi:10.1007/s11065-015-9302-0Fenoy AJ, Simpson RK.Risks of common complications in deep brain stimulation surgery: management and avoidance.J Neurosurg.2014;120(1):132-139. doi:10.3171/2013.10.JNS131225Rahimpour S, Kivani M, Hodges SE, Turner DA.Deep brain stimulation and electromagnetic interference.J Clin Neurol Neurosurg.2021;203. doi:10.1016/j.clineuro.2021.106577Bove F, Mulas D, Cavallieri F, et al.Long-term outcomes (15 years) after subthalamic nucleus deep brain stimulation in patients with Parkinson disease.Neurology. 2021;97(3). doi:10.1212/WNL.0000000000012246Tsuboi T, Lopes JLMLJ, Moore K, et al.Long-term clinical outcomes of bilateral GPi deep brain stimulation in advanced Parkinson’s disease: 5 years and beyond.J Neurosurg.2021;135(2):458–468. doi:10.3171/2020.6.JNS20617Deng H, Yue JK, Wang DD.Trends in safety and cost of deep brain stimulation for treatment of movement disorders in the United States. Br J Neurosurg.2021;35(1):57-64. doi:10.1080/02688697.2020.1759776Pietzsch JB, Garner AM, Marks WJ.Cost-effectiveness of deep brain stimulation for advanced Parkinson’s disease in the United States.Neuromodulation.2016;19(7):689-697. doi:10.1111/ner.12474Weaver FM, Follett K, Stern M, et al.Bilateral deep brain stimulation vs best medical therapy for patients with advanced Parkinson disease: a randomized controlled trial.JAMA.2009;301(1):63-73. doi:10.1001/jama.2008.929

15 Sources

Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.National Institute for Neurological Disorders and Stroke.Deep brain stimulation for movement disorders.American Association of Neurological Surgeons.Deep brain stimulation.Johns Hopkins Medicine.Deep brain stimulation.Jankovic J, Mazziota JC, Pomeroy SL, Newman NJ.Bradley and Daroff’s neurology in clinical practice.8th ed. Elsevier.Hartmann CJ, Fliegen S, Groiss SJ, Wojtecki L, Schnitzler A.An update on best practice of deep brain stimulation in Parkinson’s disease.Ther Adv Neurol Disord.2019;12. doi:10.1177/1756286419838096Honey CR, Hamani C, Kalia SK, et al.Deep brain stimulation target selection for Parkinson’s disease.Can J Neurol Sci. 2017;44(1):3-8. doi:10.1017/cjn.2016.22Lee PS, Craommon DJ, Richardson RM.Deep brain stimulation of the subthalamic nucleus and globus pallidus for Parkinson’s disease.Neurol Surg.2018;33:207-221. doi:10.1159/000481105Combs HL, Folley BS, Berry DTR, et al.Cognition and depression following deep brain stimulation of the subthalamic nucleus and globus pallidus pars internus in Parkinson’s disease: a meta-analysis.Neuropsychol Rev.2015;25(4):439-454. doi:10.1007/s11065-015-9302-0Fenoy AJ, Simpson RK.Risks of common complications in deep brain stimulation surgery: management and avoidance.J Neurosurg.2014;120(1):132-139. doi:10.3171/2013.10.JNS131225Rahimpour S, Kivani M, Hodges SE, Turner DA.Deep brain stimulation and electromagnetic interference.J Clin Neurol Neurosurg.2021;203. doi:10.1016/j.clineuro.2021.106577Bove F, Mulas D, Cavallieri F, et al.Long-term outcomes (15 years) after subthalamic nucleus deep brain stimulation in patients with Parkinson disease.Neurology. 2021;97(3). doi:10.1212/WNL.0000000000012246Tsuboi T, Lopes JLMLJ, Moore K, et al.Long-term clinical outcomes of bilateral GPi deep brain stimulation in advanced Parkinson’s disease: 5 years and beyond.J Neurosurg.2021;135(2):458–468. doi:10.3171/2020.6.JNS20617Deng H, Yue JK, Wang DD.Trends in safety and cost of deep brain stimulation for treatment of movement disorders in the United States. Br J Neurosurg.2021;35(1):57-64. doi:10.1080/02688697.2020.1759776Pietzsch JB, Garner AM, Marks WJ.Cost-effectiveness of deep brain stimulation for advanced Parkinson’s disease in the United States.Neuromodulation.2016;19(7):689-697. doi:10.1111/ner.12474Weaver FM, Follett K, Stern M, et al.Bilateral deep brain stimulation vs best medical therapy for patients with advanced Parkinson disease: a randomized controlled trial.JAMA.2009;301(1):63-73. doi:10.1001/jama.2008.929

Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

National Institute for Neurological Disorders and Stroke.Deep brain stimulation for movement disorders.American Association of Neurological Surgeons.Deep brain stimulation.Johns Hopkins Medicine.Deep brain stimulation.Jankovic J, Mazziota JC, Pomeroy SL, Newman NJ.Bradley and Daroff’s neurology in clinical practice.8th ed. Elsevier.Hartmann CJ, Fliegen S, Groiss SJ, Wojtecki L, Schnitzler A.An update on best practice of deep brain stimulation in Parkinson’s disease.Ther Adv Neurol Disord.2019;12. doi:10.1177/1756286419838096Honey CR, Hamani C, Kalia SK, et al.Deep brain stimulation target selection for Parkinson’s disease.Can J Neurol Sci. 2017;44(1):3-8. doi:10.1017/cjn.2016.22Lee PS, Craommon DJ, Richardson RM.Deep brain stimulation of the subthalamic nucleus and globus pallidus for Parkinson’s disease.Neurol Surg.2018;33:207-221. doi:10.1159/000481105Combs HL, Folley BS, Berry DTR, et al.Cognition and depression following deep brain stimulation of the subthalamic nucleus and globus pallidus pars internus in Parkinson’s disease: a meta-analysis.Neuropsychol Rev.2015;25(4):439-454. doi:10.1007/s11065-015-9302-0Fenoy AJ, Simpson RK.Risks of common complications in deep brain stimulation surgery: management and avoidance.J Neurosurg.2014;120(1):132-139. doi:10.3171/2013.10.JNS131225Rahimpour S, Kivani M, Hodges SE, Turner DA.Deep brain stimulation and electromagnetic interference.J Clin Neurol Neurosurg.2021;203. doi:10.1016/j.clineuro.2021.106577Bove F, Mulas D, Cavallieri F, et al.Long-term outcomes (15 years) after subthalamic nucleus deep brain stimulation in patients with Parkinson disease.Neurology. 2021;97(3). doi:10.1212/WNL.0000000000012246Tsuboi T, Lopes JLMLJ, Moore K, et al.Long-term clinical outcomes of bilateral GPi deep brain stimulation in advanced Parkinson’s disease: 5 years and beyond.J Neurosurg.2021;135(2):458–468. doi:10.3171/2020.6.JNS20617Deng H, Yue JK, Wang DD.Trends in safety and cost of deep brain stimulation for treatment of movement disorders in the United States. Br J Neurosurg.2021;35(1):57-64. doi:10.1080/02688697.2020.1759776Pietzsch JB, Garner AM, Marks WJ.Cost-effectiveness of deep brain stimulation for advanced Parkinson’s disease in the United States.Neuromodulation.2016;19(7):689-697. doi:10.1111/ner.12474Weaver FM, Follett K, Stern M, et al.Bilateral deep brain stimulation vs best medical therapy for patients with advanced Parkinson disease: a randomized controlled trial.JAMA.2009;301(1):63-73. doi:10.1001/jama.2008.929

National Institute for Neurological Disorders and Stroke.Deep brain stimulation for movement disorders.

American Association of Neurological Surgeons.Deep brain stimulation.

Johns Hopkins Medicine.Deep brain stimulation.

Jankovic J, Mazziota JC, Pomeroy SL, Newman NJ.Bradley and Daroff’s neurology in clinical practice.8th ed. Elsevier.

Hartmann CJ, Fliegen S, Groiss SJ, Wojtecki L, Schnitzler A.An update on best practice of deep brain stimulation in Parkinson’s disease.Ther Adv Neurol Disord.2019;12. doi:10.1177/1756286419838096

Honey CR, Hamani C, Kalia SK, et al.Deep brain stimulation target selection for Parkinson’s disease.Can J Neurol Sci. 2017;44(1):3-8. doi:10.1017/cjn.2016.22

Lee PS, Craommon DJ, Richardson RM.Deep brain stimulation of the subthalamic nucleus and globus pallidus for Parkinson’s disease.Neurol Surg.2018;33:207-221. doi:10.1159/000481105

Combs HL, Folley BS, Berry DTR, et al.Cognition and depression following deep brain stimulation of the subthalamic nucleus and globus pallidus pars internus in Parkinson’s disease: a meta-analysis.Neuropsychol Rev.2015;25(4):439-454. doi:10.1007/s11065-015-9302-0

Fenoy AJ, Simpson RK.Risks of common complications in deep brain stimulation surgery: management and avoidance.J Neurosurg.2014;120(1):132-139. doi:10.3171/2013.10.JNS131225

Rahimpour S, Kivani M, Hodges SE, Turner DA.Deep brain stimulation and electromagnetic interference.J Clin Neurol Neurosurg.2021;203. doi:10.1016/j.clineuro.2021.106577

Bove F, Mulas D, Cavallieri F, et al.Long-term outcomes (15 years) after subthalamic nucleus deep brain stimulation in patients with Parkinson disease.Neurology. 2021;97(3). doi:10.1212/WNL.0000000000012246

Tsuboi T, Lopes JLMLJ, Moore K, et al.Long-term clinical outcomes of bilateral GPi deep brain stimulation in advanced Parkinson’s disease: 5 years and beyond.J Neurosurg.2021;135(2):458–468. doi:10.3171/2020.6.JNS20617

Deng H, Yue JK, Wang DD.Trends in safety and cost of deep brain stimulation for treatment of movement disorders in the United States. Br J Neurosurg.2021;35(1):57-64. doi:10.1080/02688697.2020.1759776

Pietzsch JB, Garner AM, Marks WJ.Cost-effectiveness of deep brain stimulation for advanced Parkinson’s disease in the United States.Neuromodulation.2016;19(7):689-697. doi:10.1111/ner.12474

Weaver FM, Follett K, Stern M, et al.Bilateral deep brain stimulation vs best medical therapy for patients with advanced Parkinson disease: a randomized controlled trial.JAMA.2009;301(1):63-73. doi:10.1001/jama.2008.929

Meet Our Medical Expert Board

Share Feedback

Was this page helpful?Thanks for your feedback!What is your feedback?OtherHelpfulReport an ErrorSubmit

Was this page helpful?

Thanks for your feedback!

What is your feedback?OtherHelpfulReport an ErrorSubmit

What is your feedback?