Advanced Therapies
Deep Brain Stimulation: Advanced Care for Movement Disorders
Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) is a highly advanced, FDA-approved treatment option for patients with movement disorders such as Parkinson’s Disease, essential tremor, dystonia, and even tic disorders. It offers renewed hope for individuals whose symptoms are no longer adequately controlled with medications alone or medications are causing side effects. DBS can help reduce tremors, stiffness, and involuntary movements, improving overall function and quality of life.
At our center, we combine expert clinical care, advanced imaging, and multidisciplinary collaboration to ensure that every DBS journey is safe, personalized, and effective.
Subcutaneous Dopaminergic Pumps for Parkinson’s Disease
The FDA has recently approved two different subcutaneous infusion therapies that can deliver dopaminergic medications for Parkinson’s Disease in a continuous fashion. These therapies have been used in advanced and mid-disease patients who need more predictable control of their motor symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease. All of our Movement Disorders faculty are well informed about how to use and adjust these pumps for our patients.
Meet The Interventional Team Director
"Our central mission in our Movement Disorders program is to provide state-of-the-art medical and surgical therapy to patients who are eligible and would benefit. We are proud to extend interventional therapies, from deep brain stimulation or subcutaneous pumps, to patients who may not have traditionally accessed these treatments."
- Dr. Mitra Afshari
What is deep brain stimulation (DBS)?
Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) involves the surgical placement of thin, flexible electrodes into targeted regions in deep structures of the brain that are involved in movement. These electrodes are connected to a small, battery-powered device called a neurostimulator, which is implanted under the skin near the collarbone. These neurostimulators look a lot like cardiac pacemakers. The system delivers carefully calibrated electrical stimulation that help restore more normal patterns of brain activity, reducing symptoms such as tremor, rigidity, stiffness, and involuntary movements like dystonia and chorea.
It is important to note that DBS is reversible and adjustable. The stimulation settings can be fine-tuned over time to match your evolving needs, making it a flexible, long-term option for symptom control.
Who is a Candidate for DBS?
Drs. Mitra Afshari and Constantin Slavin work collaboratively in the operating room to ensure the optimal DBS electrode placement for a patient.DBS is not for everyone, but it can be life-changing for carefully selected individuals. You may be a candidate if:
- You have a confirmed diagnosis of Parkinson’s Disease, essential tremor, or dystonia.
- Your symptoms are interfering with daily life despite an optimized medication regimen.
- Your symptoms have become resistant to currently available medications.
- You are experiencing significant side effects from medications, such as dyskinesias or fluctuations in symptom control in Parkinson’s Disease.
- You are in good general health and do not have severe cognitive or psychiatric problems.
Our team conducts a thorough evaluation often including neurological physical assessments, brain imaging, and extensive cognitive testing, to determine if DBS is right for you.
Click here to learn more about what to expect in the DBS Evaluation Process.
Life After DBS
DBS does NOT cure Movement Disorders, but it can dramatically improve motor symptoms and quality of life. Many patients experience:
- Reduction in tremors and involuntary movements
- Improved motor function and mobility
- Decreased medication needs and fewer medication side effects
- Better ability to perform daily activities
- Enhanced independence and emotional well-being
Most importantly, DBS is a long-term therapy. As your condition evolves, your Movement Disorders neurologist will continue to monitor and adjust your device settings to ensure as much of a sustained benefit as possible.
Why Choose Our Center for DBS?
Dr. Mitra Afshari reviews DBS electrode placement.Choosing to undergo DBS is a major decision. At our center, you are never alone in the process. What sets us apart:
- Specialized Expertise: Our neurologists and neurosurgeons have extensive experience in DBS, using the latest techniques and technologies both inside and outside of the operating room. Our Movement Disorders Neurologists and a neurophysiologist join our neurosurgeons in the operating room to ensure the most optimal electrode implantation.
- Multidisciplinary Care: From evaluation to long-term follow-up, our team including neuropsychologists, psychiatrists, and allied health professionals (physical therapists and speech therapists), work together to provide comprehensive care.
- Tailored Treatment: We customize every aspect of your care to align with your specific symptoms, goals, and lifestyle. Our team works to ensure that DBS is the best therapy for you and that you are the right candidate for this treatment through a comprehensive evaluation of risks and benefits.
- Patient Education and Support: We take the time to explain each step, answer your questions, and connect you with other patients and support resources.
Taking the Next Step in DBS
If you or a loved one is living with a Movement Disorder and struggling with symptom control, DBS may offer a new path forward and it never hurts to be evaluated for candidacy by our team. There is no obligation to pursue DBS even if you are evaluated.
Patients:
Schedule an initial consultation with Dr. Mitra Afshari, our Director of the DBS program, by calling 312.355.0510. Our staff will inform you if a formal referral is needed; however, most of the time it is not.
Providers:
Please download, complete, and fax this referral form to our clinic. We will expedite the DBS evaluation with Dr. Mitra Afshari within the next 1-2 months.
Request a Consultation
Call 312.355.0510 to schedule an initial consultation with Dr. Mitra Afshari, Director of the DBS program. Our staff will inform you if a formal referral is needed.
