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Deep Brain Stimulation

Many Movement Disorder patients are unable to obtain sufficient relief through medications or physical measures. For these individuals, DBS surgery may be an option. While not a cure, this procedure may decrease the severity of the disease. Following the procedure, some patients can reduce medication doses thereby reducing the side effects. Tremor, involuntary movements (called dyskinesias) or muscle rigidity are symptoms that show most improvement following DBS.

The DBS procedure is performed in the following sequence:

  1. Following pre surgical imaging, the surgeon implants a small electrode into the targeted portion of the patient’s brain.
  2. In a separate procedure, days to weeks later, the neurostimulator is implanted under the skin and connected to the electrode
  3. After the neurostimulator is implanted, programming occurs to deliver an electrical signal. This typically takes place weeks following the implant of the neurostimulator.

Dependent on the patient, some individuals require inpatient rehabilitation following their procedure.

More Information

Women Have a Higher Risk of Stroke

Stroke is the 4th leading cause of death in women and kills more women than men. In fact, one in five women has a stroke.

The higher stroke risk in women may be due to:

  • Atrial fibrillation – This increases stroke risk among women over age 75 by 20 percent.
  • Migraines with aura –Migraine with aura is associated with ischemic stroke in younger women, particularly if they smoke or use oral contraceptives. Smokers with migraines accompanied by aura should quit immediately.
  • High Blood Pressure - While you may have had normal blood pressure most of your life as a woman, your chances of developing high blood pressure increase considerably after menopause. In fact, women that are just 20 pounds or more overweight, have a family history of high BP or have reached menopause are known to have an increased risk.
  • Hormone replacement therapy – This type of therapy should never be used to prevent stroke in post-menopausal women.
  • Birth control pills – Birth control pills have become much safer over time, but women who are already at risk of stroke should take extra precautions. Get screened for high blood pressure before the pill is prescribed. And never smoke while taking oral contraceptives.
  • Pregnancy –The risk of stroke in pregnant women is 21 per 100,000, with the highest stroke risk during the third trimester and post-partum. Those with high blood pressure should be treated with medications and monitored closely.
  • Preeclampsia – This is high blood pressure that develops during pregnancy. Preeclampsia doubles the risk of stroke later in life. If you have any history of hypertension, talk to your healthcare provider about taking low-dose aspirin starting in the second trimester.

Because of the high stroke risk in women, it’s important to take care of yourself; know & manage your blood pressure, get lots of rest, eat the right foods and be physically active. And don’t smoke!

American Heart Association: https://www.stroke.org/en/about-stroke/stroke-risk-factors/women-have-a-higher-risk-of-stroke

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