Surgical option to control tremors

For some patients who do continue to experience disabling symptoms even with drug therapy, Neurosurgeon Christopher Duma, M.D., and his team use a development in tremor control therapy known as deep brain stimulation (DBS).

DBS surgery involves implanting a wire lead with electrodes through a small skull incision and positioning it within the targeted area of the brain. An additional procedure involves implanting a neurostimulator just under the skin and below the collarbone. The lead runs from the neurostimulator up the back of the neck and into the targeted brain area. Once in place, electrical impulses are sent from the neurostimulator through the lead and into the brain to interfere with and block the electrical signals that cause symptoms.​