Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) is a treatment for adults with movement disorders like Parkinson's Disease (PD), dystonia, and essential tremor (ET). DBS involves placing a small device called a neurostimulator in the chest, connected to wires in the brain to help control movement.
To participate, you must be 18 or older with a diagnosis of PD, ET, or certain dystonias. The study includes several visits and tests such as MRI scans, which are safe scans that use a magnetic field to take pictures of the brain, and electrocardiograms, which check heart activity. Surgery to place the neurostimulator is not part of the study, but follow-up care and adjustments are included.
- Visits are frequent initially (monthly for 3 months), then less often.
- Surgery and hospital recovery are separate from the study.
- Participants are monitored for two years post-surgery.
This study helps researchers understand how well DBS works and how it affects movement and thinking. If you are interested, discuss with your doctor to ensure it is a suitable option for you.