DBS (deep brain stimulation) therapy uses mild electrical pulses from an implanted device to stimulate the brain and control some of the symptoms of Parkinson’s.

A DBS system looks and operates much like a pacemaker—except that instead of sending pulses to the heart, it sends pulses to the brain.

A DBS system has four parts:

Neurostimulator—a stopwatch-sized metal case containing a battery and electronics that make mild electrical pulses which stimulate the brain

Leads and extensions—wires that carry the mild electrical pulses from the neurostimulator to the brain

Controller—a remote control device that turns the neurostimulator on and off

Programmer—a remote control device that enables a doctor or nurse to adjust and fine-tune the stimulation

The tip of a DBS lead is positioned at a specific spot in the brain, and the neurostimulator is typically placed under the skin in the chest (about where your hand goes when you say the pledge of allegiance). The extension connects the lead to the neurostimulator.

After surgery, a doctor or nurse uses the programmer to program the neurostimulator and thereby customizes the stimulation. All participants will receive a controller so they can turn their neurostimulator on or off at any time.