What is Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS)?

DBS is a neurosurgical procedure that involves implanting electrodes in specific brain areas to initiate electronic brain stimulation to facilitate the treatment and management of various medical disorders.¹ The device used in DBS is known as a DBS stimulator.


Although a well-established treatment, deep brain stimulation surgery is usually reserved for those whose symptoms are not controlled by drugs.¹ Deep brain stimulators (sometimes called mind stimulators or brain pacemakers) are battery-powered devices composed of three parts:

• DBS Lead: Each lead comprises four electrodes on the end of a thin, insulated coiled wire. The electrodes’ position is placed in the brain depending on the treated condition.
• Neurostimulator: The neurostimulator, also known as implantable pulse generator (IPG), is implanted under the skin, close to the collarbone.² It can also be implanted in the lower portion of the chest or under the skin of the abdomen. The IPG is powered by a battery that is the source of the electrical signals sent to the brain. The battery is expected to last three to five years. However, the battery cannot be replaced in isolation. As such, when the battery needs to be replaced, the entire neurostimulator is replaced; this replacement accounts for the deep brain stimulation cost.
• Extension: The extension is a thin, insulated wire that links a lead to a neurostimulator.³ It is passed under the skin.