Epilepsy treatment with deep brain stimulation (DBS)

Deep brain stimulation is a surgery for epilepsy prescribed when medication fails. During the procedure, the neurosurgeon implants electrodes into the patient's brain. A battery-powered device (a neurostimulator) is placed under the skin's upper part of the chest (under the collarbone). The electrode is connected to the stimulator by a wire and does not cause the patient discomfort. The device suppresses the activity of some brain parts and reduces the frequency of seizures. The patient manages the stimulant himself with remote control. The neurosurgeon performs all manipulations under general anesthesia and uses MRI to place the elements correctly. The first step is to place two electrodes through small incisions in the skull deep into the brain. Then the components are connected to wires that pass under the skin behind the ear and on the neck, where they are attached to the implanted neurostimulator. After the surgery, the doctor programs the device and sets the stimulation's number, strength, and duration. Sometimes it takes several months to find the right stimulation level because the indicators vary from person to person. During the treatment period, the doctor closely monitors the progress, recording all changes and adjusting the settings. The effect of DBS therapy does not occur immediately. But after a few months, patients note a decrease in the number of seizures, and in two years, their number decreases several times.